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Level I Learning Opportunities Level II Learning Opportunities
All “alumni” of Systems Thinking in Schools - Level I are invited to attend a variety of Level II opportunities scheduled throughout the coming year.
To register for learning opportunities: Register online at www.pimaregionalsupport.org From the home page, click "Workshops.” If you have any difficulty with the registration process, please call (520) 740-8454 for assistance.
Systems Thinking in Schools S
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Systems Thinking in SchoolsA Waters Foundation Project
For lesson ideas/plans, student examples, research results, national learning opportunities, and other resources: Waters Foundation website: www.watersfoundation.org
For additional information: Tracy Benson - [email protected] Anne LaVigne - [email protected] Joan Yates - [email protected]
Systems Thinking Level I – Developing Critical Thinking SkillsThis workshop will provide an introduction to systems thinking and its connections to other effective instructional practices and school improvement efforts. During the workshop, participants will: ◊ develop skills and knowledge in the use of systems thinking concepts and tools. ◊ experience, practice, and discuss interactive, inquiry-based instructional and school improvement strategies. ◊ use systems thinking tools to analyze complex issues and identify high leverage interventions. ◊ develop and share a plan of application relevant to their work.Schedule: May 29-June 1, 2012 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.Cost: $300 ($350 after May 1st) includes instruction, materials, snacks, and lunch
Systems Thinking in Schools (STIS) WebEd These free, online learning modules allow both novices and those with some systems thinking experience to explore systems thinking concepts and tools at their own pace. Enter the site at www.watersfoundation.org/webed
Systems Thinking Level II – Harnessing the Power of Visual ToolsParticipants will build interconnected loops, create stock/flow maps, and use computer models and simulations.Prerequisite: Level ISchedule: June 5-6, 2012, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.Cost: $150 ($200 after May 1st) includes instruction, materials, snacks, and lunch
Introduction to Computer Modeling/Simulation This workshop will provide an introduction to dynamic computer modeling using STELLA software. Participants will: ◊ create, run, and analyze simple models and pre-made simulations. ◊ identify how creation of computer models would enhance understanding of curriculum standards.Prerequisite: Level ISchedule: June 7-8, 2012, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.Cost: $150 ($200 after May 1st) includes instruction, materials, snacks, and lunch
Register by May 1st
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Unless otherwise noted, all scheduled sessions are held at the Office of the Pima County Superintendant’s Regional Support Center 200 North Stone Avenue Tucson, AZ 85701
Camp Snowball – July 9*-13, 2012J.W. Marriot Starr Pass Resort & Spa
Camp Snowball is a summer “camp” experience that brings together students, parents, educators, and business and community leaders to build everyone’s capacity for learning and leading in the 21st century. Teams and individuals from school systems and communities around the world are invited to learn how to enable youth to develop into “systems citizens.” For more information and to register: www.campsnowball.org.*Opening session and dinner
Systems Thinking in Schools S
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Systems Thinking in SchoolsA Waters Foundation Project
Fostering understanding of dynamic systems in a complex world
Providing visual tools and learning opportunities that support educational standards and 21st century skills
Benefits of a systems thinking learning environment
In a student-centered systems thinking classroom, teachers are the facilitators of thinking and learning. Children are immersed in practice fields rich in relevant problem-solving, interdisciplinary connections, thought-provoking dialogue, and opportunities for in-depth analysis and synthesis. The Waters Foundation’s Systems Thinking in Schools Project is focused on supporting teachers in their ability to create such desirable learning environments for children.
A systems thinking learning environment is motivating and engaging for even the most reluctant learner. Teachers report that the visual nature of the system thinking tools enables students to organize and express their thinking. The tools help motivate those children who tend to be reluctant to fully engage in learning activities.
Standards-based education and systems thinking approaches can complement one another. The benefits of a systems thinking approach are not limited, though, to the achievement of specific, curricular learning standards. In a keynote address delivered to educators in July of 2002, Dr. Barry Richmond, long-time friend, mentor, and colleague of those involved with systems thinking in schools coined the term “systems citizen.” Systems citizens view themselves as members of a global community. They strive to understand the complexities of today’s worldly systems and have the capability to face into problems with an informed capacity to make a positive difference.
Schools across the United States and throughout the world are actively pursuing the advantages of integrating systems thinking in classrooms and schools. The benefits of such approaches are both immediate to student learning and long-lasting as a systems citizenry is developed. Building a systems thinking capacity in learners of all ages is a worthy investment in the future as educators prepare the young people of today so they are ready to solve the problems of tomorrow.
Mission
To increase the capacity of educators to deliver student academic and lifetime benefits through the effective application of systems thinking concepts, habits and tools in classroom instruction and school improvement.
Systems Thinking
What is systems thinking? Some have described and defined systems thinking within specific contexts such as business, education, and government. Others have focused on the use of specific processes and tools as defining elements of systems thinking. One common thread in defining systems thinking seems to be a focus on a holistic, “big picture” view of how systems function, seeing beyond the details of individual trees to the forest as a whole.
One DefinitionSystems thinking is a worldview, a perspective of seeing and understanding systems as wholes rather than as collec-tions of parts. A whole is a web of interconnections that creates emerging patterns.
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c.d.
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Examples ofSystems Thinking
ToolsCausal loops
Behavior-over-time graphs
Connection circles Iceberg
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x Stock/flow mapsand computer models
Ladder of inference events
patterns
structures
mental models
action
belief
perception
Stock
inflow outflow
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B
Click on a tool above to see student examples.
