A framework for supporting systems thinking and computational thinking through constructing models

Abstract

We face complex global issues such as climate change that challenge our ability as humans to manage them. Models have been used as a pivotal science and engineering tool to investigate, represent, explain, and predict phenomena or solve problems that involve multi-faceted systems across many fields. To fully explain complex phenomena or solve problems using models requires both systems thinking (ST) and computational thinking (CT). This study proposes a theoretical framework that uses modeling as a way to integrate ST and CT. We developed a framework to guide the complex process of developing curriculum, learning tools, support strategies, and assessments for engaging learners in ST and CT in the context of modeling. The framework includes essential aspects of ST and CT based on selected literature, and illustrates how each modeling practice draws upon aspects of both ST and CT to support explaining phenomena and solving problems. We use computational models to show how these ST and CT aspects are manifested in modeling.

Ways of thinking in STEM-based problem solving

“…Numerous definitions exist for systems thinking (e.g., Bielik et al, 2022;Damelin et al, 2017;Jacobson & Wilenski, 2022), with Bielik et al (2022) identifying such thinking as the ability to "consider the system boundaries, the components of the system, the interactions between system components and between different subsystems, and emergent properties and behaviour of the system" (p. 219). In more basic terms, Shin et al (2022) refer to systems thinking as "the ability to understand a problem or phenomenon as a system of interacting elements that produces emergent behavior" (p. 936).…”

“…Systems thinking interacts with the other thinking forms including those displayed in Fig. 1, as well as computational thinking (Shin et al, 2022), critical thinking (Curwin et al, 2018) and mathematical thinking more broadly (Baioa & Carreira, 2022). Systems thinking is considered especially important in conceptualizing a problematic situation within a larger context and in perceiving problems in new and different ways (Stroh, 2018).…”

“…Given the complexity of systems thinking in today's world, and the diverse ways in which it is applied, students require opportunities to experience how systems thinking can interact with other forms such as design thinking and critical thinking (Curwin et al, 2018;Shin et al, 2022). Such interactions occur in many popular STEM investigations including one in which fifth-grade students designed, constructed, and experimented with a loaded paper plane (paper clips added) in determining how load impacts on the distance travelled (English, 2021b).…”

Impact of Teaching a Neuro-Computerized Course Through VLE to Develop Computational Thinking Among Mathematics Pre-service Teachers

“…This construct denotes the process of identifying and solving problems practically through an information agency (Shin et al, 2022). Specifically, Nordby et al, (2022).…”

Does correlation heuristic dependence reduce due to classroom teaching? A case study from India

“…Various stock-and-flow problems exhibit the correlation heuristic’s use as a guiding principle ( Gonzalez and Wong, 2012 ; Kumar and Dutt, 2018b ). Even though the underlying mathematics for all stock-and-flow problems is the same ( Cronin et al, 2009 ; Rooney-Varga et al, 2020 ; Béchard et al, 2022 ; Shin et al, 2022 ), i.e., the stock is accumulated due to the inflow rate and is depleted due to the outflow rate, the consequences for different stock-flow failures can still vary vastly.…”