Systems Thinking In Education
What is systems thinking and how does it apply in the classroom? Systems thinking encourages one to step back and see the whole picture, rather than focusing on just its parts. It is an attempt to see the "forest" as well as the "trees." Systems thinking in the classroom can include an integrated and thematic curriculum, aligned goals and measures and ensuring that all parts of the classroom are working together toward.
In the classroom, systems thinking explores the interdependencies among the elements of a system, looking for patterns rather than memorizing isolated facts. Systems thinking encourages creativity, questioning and problem solving. Systems thinking involves shifting attention
- from the parts to the whole,
- from objects to relationships,
- from structures to processes,
- from hierarchies to networks,
- from the rational to the intuitive,
- from analysis to synthesis,
- from linear to non-linear thinking.
What's your definition of systems thinking? What role does systems thinking have in the classroom? Can systems thinking increase academic achievement?
Other resources about systems thinking:
Comments
This work is very useful. Let me know if you have done any specific research in the area of higher education.One should be able to build instruments to measure the extent of application of systems thinking in college and university education.Similarly these ideas should be efffectively used in the process of assessment and accreditation of higher education institutions
Posted by: Prof V. R. Shirgurkar | October 18, 2006 04:30 AM
Prof V. R. Shirgurkar,
Thanks for your comments on the blog. In answer to your question, there are several outstanding examples of quality in higher education. The Baldrige National Quality Program (online at http://www.quality.nist.gov/ ) recognizes organizations who demonstrate performance excellence.
Here are some quick links to the higher education award winners:
-->Richland College (Dallas, TX)- http://baldrige.nist.gov/PDF_files/Richland_College_Profile.pdfhttp://baldrige.nist.gov/PDF_files/Richland_College_Profile.pdf
-->Monfort College of Business (Univ. of Northern Colorado)- http://www.quality.nist.gov/PDF_files/Monfort_Application_Summary.pdf
-->University of Wisconsin-Stout- http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/uwstout.htm
Reading their continuous improvement journey can be a great way to learn more about how higher education institutions are applying continuous improvement and getting outstanding results.
Jay
Posted by: Jay Marino | October 18, 2006 09:58 AM
Prof shirgurkar
kindly favour me with your email ID beforeI set a dialogue with you from USA
Vidyadhar pandit
Posted by: Dr vidyadhar Pandit | February 24, 2007 08:02 PM
Thanks for your reply.I have gone through the MB performance Excellence Criteria. It is a very exhaustive model. i doubt if colleges and univesrities in India will be able to adopt the same. They have completred just one cycle of assessment and accreditation by National Asessment and Accreditation Council Bangalore. I wonder if one would be able to modify the Baldrige scheme to suit to the Indian situation. When large number of HEIs from the West are planning to enter the Indian scenario an appropriate model which would assess the institutions objectively would be of great help. let me know if some groups are working in this direction.My e mail id is vrs4@indiatimes.com
Posted by: V R Shirgurkar | March 12, 2007 07:45 AM
Prof Shirgurkar,
I agree with your summation that the Malcolm Baldrige criteria are complex and exhaustive. Our approach has been to take the essence or the essential concepts and use them in our school district. We don't use the term "Baldrige" anymore, but rather practice the core values and use the criteria for planning.
You might find the Shipley Quick Checks helpful as they get to the core criteria in layman's terms (here is an example you can print to see what I mean - http://www.baldrigeineducation.org/inc/368/home.htm ).
Another great site is the Baldrige in Education site --> http://www.baldrigeineducation.org/home.htm . There are many resources here that can help make sense of the Baldrige criteria as well.
Thanks for your comments.
Jay
Posted by: Jay Marino | March 12, 2007 08:03 AM