Subject: Emprical research about how to teach/learn systems thinking skills

Posted by Timothy Lucas on 2/23/2007
In Reply To:Emprical research about how to teach/learn systems thinking skills Posted by Cristina Oliva-Klos on 2/23/2007

Message:

Dear Christina,

The search for empirical data is challenging. At Lehigh University, we now have several projects and doctoral students looking at the use of systems thinking in K-12 settings as part of their research. Our focus for the past three years has been in school leadership. If the principal or lead teacher does not understand and use a systems thinking approach in the daily operation of the school, and model for teachers the language and power of these tools - it is hard for the teachers to be supported and make the skills sustainable in all areas of the curriculum. In the US, our focus on state testing and national educational initiatives impacts professional development, and funding for the development of higher order and systems thinking skills and courses.

At this point we have over 80 school leaders involved with formal graduate work on systems in the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania and in our 7 international sites, where we offer advanced degrees. These school leaders include superintendents, curriculum specialists, principals, vice principals, and half of our total numbers are teacher leaders (teachers involved with leadership in their schools without leaving the classroom). The cohorts of graduate students conduct two year action research projects on classroom instruction, working with school-based committees, and parent and community groups using systems thinking tools. Their are schools leaders applying systems thinking skills to curriculum, differentiated instruction, special education, school discipline, urban challenges in Philadelphia, and diversity issues. The focus is the larger K-12 setting - in all aspects of school life.

We are designing new instruments to collect data and as a research university - attempting to focus on critical variables in empirical research. This area is just starting to evolve and has a steep learning curve for the researchers who have to first understand and have experience with systems thinking and the language of systems themselves.

Developing and applying systems thinking skills to the K-12 academic and leadership areas that are most challenging (and at times frustrating) for teachers and school leaders gives them powerful feedback on the use of these tools. As a school principal uses a structured diagram to explain the impact of parent involvement in budget development, their teachers are using causal loops to show character development in a literature unit. Our research is focusing on how the teaching and learning of systems thinking can take place on many levels in a school for sustainable change. Everyone a learner, Everyone a leader.

As we look at creating change in our K-12 schools, whether it is using systems thinking, new technologies, digital learning environments, or distributive leadership - we believe it has to be everywhere or it is no where.

Timothy Lucas
Professor - Lehigh University, College of Education
Graduate Program for Educational Leadership
Author/Consultant - The Fifth Discipline Fieldbook Project
Schools That Learn