On Mar 27, 2017, at 4:57 PM, aybeez <xxxxxx@gmail.com> wrote:

What do you suggest is a better causal / loop / thinking / diagramming tool please. 

5 paras critique,  no solution or recommendation. 

My 9 year old loved it, was engaged immediately and wanted to expand the diagrams and got strenthening / weakening asap. A 9 y o now has systems embedded.

How would you do it.?
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Hi Andrew,

The focus of system dynamics is to build capacity in areas that hinder learning. 

What hinders learning?

The quality of a model depends on the process that created the model.
Brainstorming results in a model with errors and fallacies.
Playing with the software might be fun and engaging for a short time.

The process for developing a quality system dynamics model has been well documented by CLE and many others.  Dr. Wakeland at PSU has a graduate level class that emphasizes a process that includes validation, verification, sensitivity testing and other process steps.

Just like trying to talk Geek to Silicon Valley nerds, when you follow the system dynamics process to develop a quality model, there is a vocabulary that you have learn.

Your 9 yr old will quickly understand: boundaries, stock, level, flow, constant, parameter, loop, feedback and other words.  Your 9 yr old might not like that there are rules for SD models.

Richard Turnock