BRINGING SYSTEM DYNAMICS TO A SCHOOL NEAR YOU

摘要

The key to system dynamics in kindergarten through twelfth grade (K-12) education lies in the classroom-in the interactions between teachers and students. Experience has shown that when systems instruction succeeds at this level, the education process is greatly enhanced for both students and teachers. Education becomes more learner-centered, engaging, interdisciplinary and relevant for students of all ability levels, across all grade levels and subject areas. Experience has also shown, however, that it can be very difficult for one teacher to achieve this success all alone. Such a fundamental change in education needs the support and cooperation of many other people from both within the school and without. A supportive school administration is essential. But, parents, system dynamicists, academics, businesspeople and taxpayers also play vital roles. Systems education has begun to flourish in several pioneering schools across the United States, thanks to the skills of enthusiastic teachers and the help of others. However, the continued growth of this change in education will rely on the contributions, both large and small, material and intangible, of a wider circle of supporters. This paper will explain how system dynamics is introduced and sustained in schools. It will outline some of the many generous contributions which have made the early growth of K-12 system dynamics possible. Finally, it will give readers many resources and practical suggestions for how they can participate too.