Subject: Bored students: Urban Wetlands and Ecology

Posted by Connie Woodberry on 1/1/2011
In Reply To:Bored students: Urban Wetlands and Ecology Posted by Tim Joy on 12/31/2010

Message:

Dear Tim

I used the example of a real project, what has come to be known as the SWAT project (suburban wetlands acquisition telemetry project) because it is a project I started in SA with about 10 schools, the local university, the local council (who manage the wetlands) and BAE Systems engineers. We took awhile to get everyone on the same page but the upshot was a project that attempted to provide the students with the tools to solve the problem of collecting usable and useful water and/or sediment samples from the wetlands. I put together a structure for the students to work within and the other partners brought in their expertise and guidance as needed. After 2 1/2 years the project is still going although I have moved on from the program.

My interest is: how could the elements of systems dynamics have:

• added value to the project?
• made it easier to get everyone working together?
• given the students a framework to work within that would not stifle their creative and innovative responses - that is leaving the solution open but giving them the tools to solve the problem irrespective of their solution?
• provided the teachers with a simple and straightforward how to plan that also kept the teachers from providing the answers for the students?

I think from what I grasp about Systems Dynamics that there are ways to use this way of thinking that could make a dramatic difference. But, although I am no slouch I just can't seem to see specifically how and I am afraid the forum isn't there either.

While I did provide the overall framework and came up with a problem based learning/ project management template that was reasonably easy for the students to follow, I missed (as did the systems engineers I might note) how the mechanics of systems dynamics could have been of assistance.

I work a great deal with science organisations and industry (as well as community) to add value to schools and students learning experience and the will is there to make real contributions. Teachers, as you know, are another matter when it comes to change however almost everyone: business, teachers and students will give a new idea with merit and in this case a new way of teaching a go if they can "see" how it can be done and they get some help with the change.

What no one still seems to be answering is how - specifically can systems dynamics and perhaps if we just focus on the seeing, systems dynamics graphics and visuals, make all types of learning and all types of teaching better for everyone?

By the way I could use an English teacher occasionally as my grammar and punctuation seems to be deteriorating with age and living with 2 systems (the different Australian and US versions on everything) makes me even more addled. Perhaps a simple SD chart on use of commas would be handy?

If you want to see the program I started in SA go to www.concept2creation.com.au for a look.

We are about ready to start a version of the program in Queensland.