Subject: Systems Language - causal connection

Posted by Warren Farr on 2/8/2010
In Reply To:Systems Language - causal connection Posted by Jennifer Arzberger on 2/8/2010

Message:

This is precisely the kind of discourse that "system thinking" encourages us to have. Even better, with CLDs and stock/flow diagram tools we can capture these ideas in a way that they can be examined, discussed, modified, and agreed to by all.

I am hearing that there is a limited resource (time) that prevents a student from doing everything. The more time spent on one activity, the less time there is for the other activities. This seems inevitable and universally true.

However, there are other factors at play when accomplishing goals (besides time). Efficiency is one such factor. I think that this is why time management is taught beginning in the middle school years. If I can be more efficient during an average minute, then I can accomplish more in the same amount of time. Motivation (as I think is being suggested below) could be another aspect. If being involved in a variety of activities energizes me to be fully engaged in each moment of the day, then I can again accomplish more in the same amount of time.

What other "personal" factors come into play when calculating the quantity of accomplishment? What about quality of accomplishment? Good stuff -
Warren Farr

Follow Ups:

Systems Language - causal connection - Zachary Lawrence 2/8/2010