Think like a Time Traveler SXSWedu

STUDIO LEARNING LABSNext Level Learning for Educators

jackson@studiolearninglabs.org

@studiolearnlabs

studiolearninglabs.org

At STUDIO LEARNING LABS we believe

Teachers who think like DESIGNERS create students who think like DESIGNERS.

What is Systems Thinking?

Systems thinking utilizes habits, tools and concepts to develop an understanding of the interdependent

structures of dynamic systems.

When individuals have a better understanding of systems, they are better able to identify the leverage

points that lead to desired outcomes.

Working Thesis: By designing learning experiences that require students to “think like a time traveler” we can help students become “systems thinkers”

and be better prepared for an unknown future.

think like a Time Traveler

“We’re preparing students for an unknown future…”

that’s terrifying!

and not entirely true…

future future

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We can’t allow the future to happen to students. Students need to create their future.

What would Marty McFly do?

What do Time Travelers do?

Determine a destination

Gather resources, including collaborators

Identify leverage points

Experiment with possible solutions

Execute a plan

Assess the situation

What do we want Students to do?• Assess the situation

• Determine a destination

• Gather resources, including collaborators

• Identify leverage points

• Experiment with possible solutions

• Execute a plan

Evaluate the problem

Determine the goal

Gather resources, work as a team

Identify key elements

Test ideas and prototype possibilities

Publish a solution

What is the teacher’s role?

#think like doc brown

How did Doc Brown help Marty?

What can teachers do to help students create their own future?

What scenarios (historical or otherwise) could you use in your class to allow

students to “think like a Time Traveler.”

• What if cavemen only had 9 fingers? How would this affect our numerical system?

• How do housing developments affect prairie dog populations near E-470?

• How would Othello rate in the polls if he were running for president today?

• Given my current expenses and current income, how can I afford to attend my dream college?

Think like a Time Traveler

Think like a Time Traveler

Determine a destination

Gather resources, including collaborators

Identify leverage points

Experiment with possible solutions

Execute a plan

Assess the situation

Successful Time Travelers are Systems Thinkers

STUDIO LEARNING LABSNext Level Learning for Educators

jackson@studiolearninglabs.org

@studiolearnlabs

studiolearninglabs.org