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.?

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Hi Andrew,

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

What hinders learning?

Cause and effect separated in time and space
Misperception of feedback
Poor interpersonal and organizational inquiry skills
Insufficient time for reflection

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