Subject: Call for Systems Teaching Experiences

Posted by Richard Plate on 7/4/2008

Message:

Hello,


My dissertation research focused on how teaching systems thinking affects the way that students comprehend information about complex environmental systems. The results from my study suggest that systems-based instruction holds much promise for improving students’ abilities to understand current environmental challenges (which, I realize, is probably not news to most of you on this list).



I am currently working on adapting my dissertation (which can be found on the CLE’s website in the “Research” section) for publication as a monograph for the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE). I see this as an opportunity to introduce systems-oriented curricula to a group (environmental educators) who might find the tool particularly useful.



In order for the text to work as a monograph for NAAEE, I need to add a stories-from-the-front-line type of chapter, basically providing some examples of educators using systems thinking tools and how things worked out. Ideally, I would like a wide array of examples including different grade levels (or adult ed.), different levels of experience teaching systems, and varying goals (e.g., specific unit or exercise vs. long-term incorporation into curriculum). Examples from formal and nonformal education could work. As the audience is environmental education, science and social studies may be the most applicable. However, interesting experiences in the context of other fields may be useful as well.



If you feel like your experience might be useful to others and you wouldn’t mind me interviewing you (over the phone or through email), then please let me know. If you could tell me the level you teach, the subject, and how long you’ve been teaching systems thinking, that would help me keep things organized.



Thank you very much for your time.



Sincerely,

Richard Plate





Richard Plate

Center for Marine Resource Studies

School for Field Studies

South Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands

Follow Ups:

Call for Systems Teaching Experiences - David Wheat 7/4/2008 
Call for Systems Teaching Experiences - Della Robertson 7/4/2008