We
have come a long way in structuring and customizing educational curriculum to
benefit students at large. While there can never be a one size fits all formula
for academic success, there have been quite a many methodologies that have
tried to make it easier on the young minds. By venturing into the field of
Systems Thinking, one comes to realize how rigid we have been in trying to fit
our non linear pattern of learning into a standard linear model. To understand
this better, let us take the example of a cause and effect phenomena. Given our
age old custom of explaining basic algebra with unknown variables and numbers,
very often we find students questioning the need to understand and practice
these questions. As important as it maybe, the mind forsakes what it does not find
a logical explanation for.
While
grammar worksheets might help me speak better and adding numbers will help me
with purchase of items, how can 2x+3y=15 be of any help in my every day. This
is where Systems Thinking comes to the rescue of these young minds. It
explains there is a better way of looking at things than just, because our
ancestors said so and did so. The ability to relate complex concepts to real
life phenomena help students get a overview of how these frightening equations
can help them after all. The universal standard of education with all due
respect is well thought of to impart the necessary set of basic skills. However, Systems Thinking comes in to address this curiosity by giving appropriate tools to
relate every question with a real life system. This might seem like a complex methodology to
begin with, but that is only because of our attenuation to the standard methods
of teaching and understanding. We have made the idea of education more
technical and linear than it ought to be. Flexibility in thinking is what these minds need.
