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Dissertation
Posted by Ruth Fruland on 11/5/2003
I am developing a dissertation proposal to study preservice (novice) teachers' reactions and responses to systems thinking concepts and system dynamics modeling and simulations as tools for their teaching practice.
Before I design the study, it would be helpful to get some information and recommendations from experienced educators who are willing and have the time. If you are able to respond to this survey, would you please do so by November 30.
Also, would you please reply to me only, at fruland@hitl.washington.edu, NOT the whole listserv. However, when I have compiled the results, I will gladly share them with everyone.
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Background. My objectives include
1) studying what a systems framework might contribute to teacher education,
2) fostering collaborative work around multidisciplinary science-based social problems, and
3) learning how differences in teachers' prior knowledge and experiences may affect their responses to ST/SD.
Although I do not plan to include 'model-building' as part of the intervention, I do plan to give the student teachers a variety of simulations, culminating with an opportunity to apply what they may have learned by using a simulation of one or more famine models in order to answer the question: Will Genetically Modified Food Help to Solve World Hunger, Malnutrition and Famine? (I did find a GMF-oriented model in one of the Connections newsletters offered by HPS).
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The Survey
Teaching Background Information
1. Year you started teaching:
2. Current Grade/Subject(s):
3. Education and work experience other than teaching:
Systems-related Background Information
4. Year you first heard about systems thinking or system dynamics:
5. How did you learn about system dynamics?
6. Initial reaction (positive, negative, neutral, mixed):
Why?
7. Attitude after you used ST/SD in the classroom:
Why?
8. Which needs (e.g., educational goals) have you found that ST/SD supports well in practice?
a. Your teaching needs (instructional objectives, meeting standards,
etc.):
b. Your students' learning needs:
c. Ways you use ST or SD to meet these needs:
9. What are the advantages you experience when you use ST/SD rather than traditional ways of thinking, teaching and learning?
10. What are the disadvantages you experience when you use ST/SD rather than traditional ways of thinking, teaching and learning?
Student Information
11. Did you observe differences based on gender (yes, no)?
Please describe, if yes:
12. Did you observe differences based on minority status (yes, no)?
Please describe, if yes:
13. Did you observe differences based on learning styles (yes, no)?
How would you describe them?
14. Did you observe differences based on personality traits (yes, no)?
How would you describe them?
15. Did you observe differences based on academic level and learning outcomes (yes, no)?
a. High Achievers (gained, lost, no difference):
If there is a difference, what do you think may explain it?
b. Average achievers (gained, lost, no difference):
If there is a difference, what do you think may explain it?
c. Low achievers (gained, lost, no difference):
If there is a difference, what do you think may explain it?
16. Please describe any general changes that could be attributed to ST/SD related to students'
a. participation
b. motivation
c. performance
d. learning outcomes (including changes on standardized tests) e. self-efficacy as learners f. level of interest in subject matter and/or school g. other:
Cautions
17. Based on your own experiences, is there anything that you would caution me NOT TO DO when introducing ST/SD to preservice teachers?
Recommendations
18. Based on your own experiences, is there anything that you would recommend that I DEFINITELY DO when introducing ST/SD to preservice teachers?
References and Resources
19. Are there any references that have been particularly helpful in your practice that you would also recommend for my research and/or the preservice teachers themselves?
20. Are there resources you used and found particularly helpful in your practice that might make preservice teachers more open to incorporating systems thinking and system dynamics in their practice? For example, what has been your experiences with Stratagem, Fish Banks, The Systems Thinking Playbook, others?
************************** I appreciate your taking the time to help me develop a useful dissertation study around preservice teachers and systems thinking and system dynamics.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments. I am ready to join the conversation!
Thank You!
Ruth Fruland
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