Systems Thinking Level 1: Developing Capacity for Thinking, Learning and Leading
This workshop will provide an introduction to systems thinking and its connections to other effective instructional practices and school improvement efforts. During the workshop, participants will:
- Develop knowledge and skills in the use of systems thinking concepts and tools.
- Experience, practice, and discuss interactive, inquiry-based instructional and school improvement strategies.
- Use systems thinking tools to analyze complex issues and identify high-leverage interventions.
- Develop and share a plan of application relevant to their work.
Systems Thinking Level 2: Embracing the Power of Visual Tools, Including Simulation Models
Expand your knowledge of systems thinking through an exploration of tools and concepts in a variety of contexts. Participants will:
- Utilize the ladder of inference and iceberg visual as frameworks for systems analysis.
- Build interconnected causal loops.
- Create stock/flow maps.
- Experience, develop and test simulation models using kinesthetic activities and modeling software.
- Identify how the same simulation model can represent systems in different disciplines, including math, science, social studies, and literature.
- Use simulation models to explore “what if” scenarios and look for leverage to solve an identified issue.
- Develop an implementation plan.
Prerequisite: Level 1
Systems Thinking for School and District Leaders
This workshop will provide an introduction to systems thinking Habits, concepts and tools that can be directly applied to leadership development, organizational learning and district and school improvement. Participants will:
- Develop self-awareness about systems thinking Habits.
- Increase understanding of how mental models are developed over time.
- Investigate ways to understand and utilize the diverse perspectives people hold about systems of interest.
- Identify the causal interdependencies that influence the behavior of systems.
- Develop insights about short-term, long-term and unintended consequences of decisions and actions.
- Develop ability to identify leverage actions based on a deeper understanding of system complexity.
- Be involved in hands-on exercises to learn and deepen systems thinking Habits and application of ST tools that can be applied to organizational settings.
- Be provided facilitation tips to help bring workshop exercises back to their site.
- Create a plan that will include ways to share new learning with others.
- Learn and practice strategies for working together that will help inform the quality of day-to-day interactions and propel desirable system outcomes.
Systems Thinking for Business and Community Leaders
A systems thinking point of view encourages leaders to step back and see the whole picture, rather than focusing on just its parts. When individuals have a clear and deep understanding of departments, divisions or organizations as whole systems, they are better equipped to identify leverage actions that lead to improvements, desired outcomes and ongoing success.
This workshop will introduce systems thinking concepts, habits and tools that will help leaders
develop:
- Decision-making and problem-solving approaches that bring about win-win results.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills.
- Strategies for the development of positive and productive organizational cultures.
- A capability to analyze complex issues and identify high-leverage interventions.
- A plan of practice and application ready to implement in work-related settings.
Through highly-interactive approaches participants will learn and practice strategies for working together that will help inform the quality of their day-to-day interactions and propel desirable organizational outcomes.
For an overview of the Waters Center and our systems thinking work, click here.