Neurodiverse students and problem finding; creating opportunities to incorporate special interests and harness the power of hyperfocus
Date
2023-06
Authors
Advisors
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DOI
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Publisher
AdvanceHE
Type
Conference
Peer reviewed
Abstract
Engineering laboratories provide ample opportunity for students to find solutions to problems; analogous to putting out fires, rather than preventing them. At University, we explore the more challenging skill of problem finding. This requires students to think proactively and requires curiosity, flexibility, reflectivity, perceptivity and the ability to withhold judgement. Interestingly, our neurodiverse engineering students are able to hyperfocus on activities that spark interest and can, given the right circumstances, demonstrate talent for problem finding. We present an engineering toolkit that incorporates practical, tangible strategies that create the necessary physical, sensory and emotional spaces to harness the power of hyperfocus.
Description
Keywords
Inclusivity, neurodiversity, Higher Education
Citation
Bassford, M., Lilliott, E. (2023) Neurodiverse students and problem finding; creating opportunities to incorporate special interests and harness the power of hyperfocus. AdvanceHE Teaching and Learning Conference 2023: Shaping the future of HE, Keele University, July 4-6 2023