They say it takes a village to raise a child; well, it took a community of universities to create the d.studio.
Here’s how it all began:
When Moura Quayle started as dean of the UBC Faculty of Land and Food Systems (formerly agricultural sciences) in 1997, she inherited a struggling faculty. She looked at this as an opportunity for change. She asked prospective employers what they really wanted from graduating students – the answer surprised her.
On top of the list were communication skills, problem solving abilities and capacity for maturity in an intercultural work environment. Sure, they expected students to be technically savvy, but said they could teach them that if the students knew how to solve problems. It was then she realized that problem-based learning would better prepare students for the workforce.
Quayle’s next post was as Deputy of the B.C. Ministry of Advanced Education. The position left her with a deep sense that the business community would be implementing many of the major policy changes of the future.
“I wanted to be involved,” she said. “I want to make sure the graduates from Sauder have the skills, tools and attitudes to take advantage of the opportunities that come their way, and not be in ‘same old, same old’ mode.”
“We need to make sure we’re churning out problem solvers who really do understand critical and creative thinking,” she added.
And so, the fledgling idea of the d.studio was born.
But it wouldn’t be a simple process. A trip to California and Europe and a team of passionate individuals were essential for the d.studio to set off to a promising start at Sauder. (Follow the links for more on those stories.)