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Systems Languagg
Posted by Tim Joy on 2/3/2010
Good Day, All.
For quite some time, the words we use when we describe systems has piqued my interest. I have to catch myself with my students because I sometimes tell too much - it's a stock, but sometimes it's called a level or an accumulation. There is it . . . three words to describe one concept. What is in the mind of my students when I say "stock" or "level" or "accumulation"? The stock market, a tool with water bubbles, or something about GPA's? So, I believe that I must be precise, careful, especially as a young learner takes on this new way of seeing and understanding. We are teaching a new way to codify their experience.
Causal loop diagrams, stock and flow maps, behavior over time graphs . . . these help some. However, these, too, run up against wary intellects. What is for us a common term remains esoteric to most. When it comes down to it, words will be a primary medium for teaching systems.
True, there is a specialized vocabulary the more one delves into systems. But I wonder, colleagues, what words and phrases have been most successful?
Let's help each other on this. Here's two to start.
When you describe a causal connection, what various phrasings make it clear to someone in the middle grades? someone in high school? someone with a poor math background?
When you describe closed loop, what words and phrases help seat the idea in your hearer's mind?
I look forward to this conversation.
Tim Joy
De La Salle North
Portland, Oregon
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