Systems theory is a thoroughly cross-disciplinary way of thinking: one whose central lines need to be made clear in their own right without being necessarily attached to any one of the specific disciplines it Donella Meadows. Meadows (Chelsea Green, 2008): Review by Robert M. ‘Thinking in Systems: A Primer’ by Donella H.
To read a more in-depth discussion of Senge’s ideas, we recommend this article from Infed.U Process, also know as Theory U, is a useful methodology for collectively approaching difficult problems and developing innovative, appropriate solutions. Leveraged together, they contribute heavily to the success of learning organizations, defined by Senge as, “…organizations where people continually expand their capacity to create the results they truly desire, where new and expansive patterns of thinking are nurtured, where collective aspiration is set free, and where people are continually learning to see the whole together.”For descriptions of each of these disciplines, visit the Society for Organizational Learning’s website. Meadows, Thinking in SystemsDeveloped by renowned systems thinker Peter Senge, these five disciplines each enhance the ability of a person or organization to use learning effectively.
For instance, an oyster’s mechanisms for filtering water might be used to inform man-made filtration systems, or a forest ecosystem that breaks down and reuses its own detritus might inform the design of a waste-treatment facility.The consulting company Biomimicry 3.8 has a great introduction to this approach to problem solving. Because it has been evolving and perfecting its systems for millions of years, nature can provide powerful examples of sustainable solutions. Otto Scharmer of the Presencing Institute is especially helpful in understanding the theory.Biomimicry is the concept of using natural forms, materials, and processes as models to drive human innovation. It begins by observing reality as it is, retreating and reflecting on those observations, and then enacting a new reality.For more information about U Process, visit the Presencing Institute.
Single-loop learning is like a thermostat that learns when it is too hot or too cold and turns the heat on or off. Argyris and Schön, who developed and elaborated the double loop theory, describe different types of learning as follows:When the error detected and corrected permits the organization to carry on its present policies or achieve its presents objectives, then that error-and-correction process is single-loop learning. The idea is to enable solutions to problems that are complex and ill-structured. For teaching and learning resources check out AskNature Resources.Double loop learning is a learning process that goes beyond surface level goals, techniques, and responses to target the assumptions and values underlying the system.
Just like an iceberg, 90% of which is invisible beneath the water, these structures are often hidden below the surface. By asking you to connect an event–a single incident or occurrence–to patterns of behavior, systems structures, and mental models, the iceberg allows you to see the structures underlying the event. Double-loop learning occurs when error is detected and corrected in ways that involve the modification of an organization’s underlying norms, policies and objectives.If we continue the example of the thermostat above, a double loop thermostat would ask why before altering the temperature–are there people here to enjoy the heat? Are the people dressed appropriately? Could we open or close a window instead? The double loop thermometer takes into account its current environment and situation when making decisions.To learn more about this learning tool, try reading Infed’s article on Chris Argyris or visiting Instructional Design’s Double Loop Learning page.Image courtesy of Don Clark and his OODA and Double-Loop Learning Activity pageThe iceberg model is a valuable tool to encourage systemic thinking and help you contextualize an issue as part of a whole system.
Donella Meadows Thinking In Systems Diagream Download This File
This simulation from Climate Interactive is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the theorem while simultaneously learning about the relationship between carbon emissions and atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.These diagrams are an important way to visualize and understand how a system of different elements is working together. To maintain a constant level, the inflow must equal the outflow.The bathtub theorem is a useful mental model when thinking about issues like economics and climate change. These two flows of water–the inflow and the outflow–together determine the water level and stability of the bathtub. Download this file to print out your own!This simple theorem is easily visualized by imagining a bathtub: water enters the tub via the faucet and it exits through the drain, through leaks, or by overflowing the sides.
For more information on stocks and flows and this diagram, read this excerpt from Thinking in Systems.Open Space is a technique for organizing meetings, conferences, symposiums, and community events. Stocks, then, are accumulations, or integrals, of flows.”Below is a more complex example of a stock and flow diagram that illustrates the volume of living wood in a forest. It may be a population, an inventory, the wood in a tree, the water in a well, the money in a bank…Stocks change over time through the actions of flows, usually actual physical flows into or out of a stock–filling, draining, births, deaths, production, consumption, growth, decay, spending, saving.
It’s simple, flexible approach is based on seven design principles: For more information about Open Space principles and hot to use them, read this primer or visit openspaceworld.org.World Café is a tool that facilitates dialogue amongst large groups. Participants are asked to create the agenda themselves by proposing topics that feel important to them, and in this way Open Space events are tailored to the needs and interests of participants.
This strategy can be a very effective way to summarize and communicate complex ideas and to allow participants to see and internalize the big picture of a discussion or presentation.The following example by graphic facilitator Brandy Agerbeck helps to explain the graphic facilitation process and how it can help clarify and synthesize ideas. At the end of the meeting, insights from the many discussions are shared with the entire group.If you’d like to learn more, the World Café website is a great source of information about this dialogue process.Graphic facilitation is the process of translating complex concepts into a visual language of words and pictures and recording them in real time. During each session, participants meet around tables in small groups to discuss a question posed at the beginning of that round, and then move to a new table with different people before the next round of discussions.
Led by a group of systems thinking leaders, including MIT Professor Emeritus Jay Forrester, the organization offers lessons for K-12 students as well as opportunities for educators to explore systems concepts on their own. Teachers can find lesson ideas and even entire lesson plans in their resources section.Creative Learning Exchange is another organization that promotes systems dynamics and systems thinking education in schools. These many resources include a detailed page explaining 13 habits of a systems thinker, as well as their free WebEd course with nine modules that help users develop the systems thinking skills. They have developed a variety of resources for teachers, students, and individuals interested in increasing their systems literacy. Download this PDF tool to use as a guide for envisioning: a vital first step toward any goal.Organizations and Online Tools The Waters FoundationThe Waters Foundation is dedicated to promoting the use of systems thinking concepts, habits, and tools in K-12 schools.
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