Post on 13-Apr-2017
STUDIO LEARNING LABSNext Level Learning for Educators
jackson@studiolearninglabs.org
@studiolearnlabs
studiolearninglabs.org
At STUDIO LEARNING LABS we believe
Teachers who think like DESIGNERS create students who think like DESIGNERS.
What is Systems Thinking?
Systems thinking utilizes habits, tools and concepts to develop an understanding of the interdependent
structures of dynamic systems.
When individuals have a better understanding of systems, they are better able to identify the leverage
points that lead to desired outcomes.
Working Thesis: By designing learning experiences that require students to “think like a time traveler” we can help students become “systems thinkers”
and be better prepared for an unknown future.
think like a Time Traveler
“We’re preparing students for an unknown future…”
that’s terrifying!
and not entirely true…
future future
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plex
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conn
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We can’t allow the future to happen to students. Students need to create their future.
What would Marty McFly do?
What do Time Travelers do?
Determine a destination
Gather resources, including collaborators
Identify leverage points
Experiment with possible solutions
Execute a plan
Assess the situation
What do we want Students to do?• Assess the situation
• Determine a destination
• Gather resources, including collaborators
• Identify leverage points
• Experiment with possible solutions
• Execute a plan
Evaluate the problem
Determine the goal
Gather resources, work as a team
Identify key elements
Test ideas and prototype possibilities
Publish a solution
What is the teacher’s role?
#think like doc brown
How did Doc Brown help Marty?
What can teachers do to help students create their own future?
What scenarios (historical or otherwise) could you use in your class to allow
students to “think like a Time Traveler.”
• What if cavemen only had 9 fingers? How would this affect our numerical system?
• How do housing developments affect prairie dog populations near E-470?
• How would Othello rate in the polls if he were running for president today?
• Given my current expenses and current income, how can I afford to attend my dream college?
Think like a Time Traveler
Think like a Time Traveler
Determine a destination
Gather resources, including collaborators
Identify leverage points
Experiment with possible solutions
Execute a plan
Assess the situation
Successful Time Travelers are Systems Thinkers
STUDIO LEARNING LABSNext Level Learning for Educators
jackson@studiolearninglabs.org
@studiolearnlabs
studiolearninglabs.org