Learning to Know
Systems Thinking
Systems thinking is a key competency of learning to know. What is systems thinking?Engaging in systems thinking means acknowledging that natural, social, and economic systems function interdependently. Systems thinking helps us to understand the big picture of the environmental issue we are examining. In looking at the bigger picture, we become more aware of the complexity of issues and their solutions. At the same time, when we take various factors into consideration, the solutions to the problems are better informed and we can make more enlightened decisions. This type of thinking is interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary in nature, and requires the ability to analyze and synthesize information. Systems thinking:
- recognizes that the whole is more than the sum of its parts.
- identifies relationships and processes within a particular system so we can create outcomes for the whole system.
- integrates decision-making with environmentally sustainable actions.
In order to better understand environmental sustainability, we have to engage in systems thinking. This is a key outcome for sustainability education programs. Check out InTeGrate: Interdisciplinary Teaching about Earth for a Sustainable Future's module on systems thinking that can be integrated into a variety of post-secondary courses.
