Developing Systems Thinking
Conveners
Hannah Scherer, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State Univ
Rachel Seman-Varner, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State Univ
Many of the challenges we now face require complex solutions that cross disciplinary boundaries and take into account multiple perspectives. How do we as educators prepare students to think in this way? Participants will be introduced to the components of systems thinking (e.g. boundaries, reservoirs, feedback, resilience) through an interactive activity and learn about strategies for incorporating systems thinking in undergraduate courses through a guided exploration of existing resource collections. The remainder of the workshop will be determined by the needs of participants, but may include: work time, further exploration, small group discussion, or focused discussion of emergent questions and concerns from participants.
Goals
By the end of the workshop, participants will
- be able to explain the ways in which scientists approach complex systems
- have a collection of resources and strategies for teaching systems thinking that is tailored to their needs
Program
Note: Participants should bring a device for exploring web-based resource collections to the workshop
1:30 Welcome and defining participant goals: Please complete this brief survey
1:45 Interactive systems thinking activity: participants will be introduced to the ways that scientists describe and analyze systems through an activity they can use in their classes. [Student hat]
2:15 Debrief the activity [Teacher hat]
2:45 Exploration of resources and strategies for teaching systems thinking (InTeGrate, SERC collections, etc.)
3:15 Share out resources and strategies; identify things that will work for you; use of Systems Thinking Interest Group
3:45 Flex time based on needs of the group
4:15 Adjourn
"Handouts"
- Systems Thinking Workshop Presentation (PowerPoint 2007 (.pptx) 10.2MB Jul14 15)
- Glossary of Systems Thinking Terms (Acrobat (PDF) 61kB Jul13 15)
- Key considerations in planning to teach systems thinking (Acrobat (PDF) 432kB Jun23 15) - pdf of slide from workshop presentation
- Example Activity 1 (Acrobat (PDF) 144kB Jul13 15)
- Example Activity 2 (Acrobat (PDF) 98kB Jul13 15)
Resources
The On Cutting Edge site on complex systems and InTeGrate's pages on teaching systems thinking are two excellent general references and there are lots of links within these pages to explore for further information and ideas for classroom activities. For some other resources, see:
- Meadows, D. H. (2008). Thinking in Systems: A primer (D. Wright Ed.). White River Junction, VT: Chelsea Green Publishing.
- InTeGrate Systems, Society, Sustainability, and the Geosciences activity collection; Meghann Jarchow's Using concept mapping to experientially introduce systems thinking in this collection may be of particular interest
- Mind Tools Systems Diagrams page provides a good generalized explanation behind the logic of building more formal systems diagrams
- The AAC&U's Scientific Thinking and Integrative Reasoning Skills (STIRS) initiative includes systems analysis in the framework
- and Climate Interactive has a series of training videos on systems thinking called The Climate Leader
