Marja-Ilona Koski
Science Education and Communication (SEC), Technical University of Delft, The Netherlands
Marc de Vries
Science Education and Communication (SEC), Technical University of Delft, The Netherlands
Download article![](/images/PDF_24.png)
Published in: PATT 26 Conference; Technology Education in the 21st Century; Stockholm; Sweden; 26-30 June; 2012
Linköping Electronic Conference Proceedings 73:30, p. 253-261
Published: 2012-06-18
ISBN: 978-91-7519-849-1
ISSN: 1650-3686 (print), 1650-3740 (online)
This paper presents a study into systems thinking among 27 primary school pupils; 8-to10-yearolds; and their teacher. The study includes; pre-test to the teacher and a group of pupils; lesson planning; the actual lesson and post-test to the pupils. The focus is on three concepts: do the pupils see a system as a structure consisting from main- and subparts; what are the inputs and output that they reason to be important for a system; and can they put boundaries to a system. Analysis revealed that the pupils showed some indications of machines consisting from parts with different functions; or that a sequence of steps is needed to complete a process. Systems; however; are mainly described in terms of what the user can experience; instead of what the machine itself does. The concept of input was more obvious to the pupils than the output. The impression of what a systems does; and what a user does; seemed to overlap; and this made setting the boundaries to a system more demanding. Nevertheless; by including basic principles of systems thinking; the teacher was able to introduce alternatives to approach the problems. Even though; the systems thinking was rather limited in larger sense; the pupils were able to reach beyond fair descriptions; and they used new practices to explain and label artefacts.
Primary pupils; systems thinking; qualitative study; main- and subparts; input and output; system boundaries
Arndt; H. (2006). Enhancing Systems Thinking in Education Using Systems Dynamics. Simulation; 82(11); 795-806.
Assaraf; O. B-Z.; & Orion; N. (2005). Development of system thinking skills in the context of earth science system education. Journal of Research in Science Teaching 42(5); 518-560.
Barak; M.; & Williams; P. (2007). Learning elemental structures and dynamic processes in technological systems: a cognitive framework. International Journal of Technology and Design Education; 17; 323-340.
Bauer; J. M.; & Herder; M. P. (2009). Designing Socio-Technical Systems. In A. Meijers (Ed); Philosophy of Technology and Engineering Sciences (pp.601-630). Amsterdam: Elsevier.
Bertalanffy; L. von. (1979).General System Theory. New York: George Braziller.
Boersma; K.; Waarlo; A. J.; & Klaassen; K. (2011). The feasibility of systems thinking in biology education. Journal of Biological Education; 45(4); 190-197.
Booth Sweeney; L (2011). Thinking about Systems. http://lindaboothsweeney.net/ (last accessed in 29.9.2011)
Booth Sweeney; L.; & Sterman; J. D. (2007). Thinking about systems: student and teacher conceptions of natural and social systems. System Dynamics Review; 23(2/3); 285-312.
Ginns; I. S.; Norton; S.; J.; & McRobbie; C. J. (2005). Adding Value to the Teaching and Learning of Design and Technology. International Journal of Technology and Design Education; 15; 47-60.
Kali; Y.; Orion; N.; & Eylon; B-S. (2003). Effect of knowledge integration activities on students’ perception of the earth’s crust as a cyclic system. Journal of Research in Science Teaching; 40(6); 545-565.
O’Connor; J.; & McDermott; I. (1997). The Art of Systems Thinking – Essential skills for creativity and problem solving. London: Thorsons.
Ossimitz; G. (1997). Development of Systems Thinking Skills Using System Dynamics Modeling Tools. http://wwwu.uni-klu.ac.at/gossimit/sdyn/gdm_eng.htm (last accessed in 29.9.2011)
Richmond; B. (1993). Systems thinking: Critical thinking skills for the 1990s and beyond. System Dynamics Review; 9(2); 113-133.
Sterman; J. D. (2002). All models are wrong: reflections on becoming a systems scientist. System Dynamics Review; 18(4); 501-531.
Svensson; M.; Zetterqvist; A.; & Ingerman; Å. (2012). On Young People’s Experience of Systems in Technology. Design and Technology Education: An International Journal; 17(1); 66-77.
Tiberghien; A. (1997). Learning and Teaching: Differentiation and Relation. Research in Science Education; 27(3); 359-382.
Vries; M. J. de. (2005). Teaching about Technology. An Introduction to the Philosophy of Technology for Non-philosophers. Dordrecht: Springer.