Global Learning and Systems ThinkingIntoduction
by Jeffrey Brown
Global Learning and Systems Thinking
Since our founding in the early 1970s, Global Learning has promoted systems thinking as an essential element of "an attainable global perspective." Based on a classic essay by that title and written by Robert Hanvey for the organization now known as the American Forum for Global Education, we have taught innumerable educators that a global perspective includes viewing the world as a system. A simple definition of a system is a whole, made up of parts that are interconnected so that if one affects any part, one affects the whole. There are current efforts in New Jersey to promote systems thinking as critical to a sound precollegiate education as well as to a sustainable future for our species. A driving force behind these efforts is a member of Global Learning's Advisory Committee – and numerous other organizations and associations – Carl Henn. Carl and Clint Andrews of Princeton University chaired an "Action Workshop on Systems Thinking, Academic Standards and Teacher Preparation" last April at Princeton University. They also wrote two excellent preparatory papers and have given us permission to publish them in "gleanings." An email request to ferdi@tigger.jvnc.net will result in membership on a discussion network follow-up to this conference on systhink@prism.prs.k12.nj.us |
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