Improving learning outcomes using systems thinking
working
Systems around the world have become complex and dynamic, meaning that they are made of many components and are changing continuously. The education system is complex as it is made up of multiple interconnected elements like industrial expectations, government regulations, technological innovation, and teaching methods. It is also dynamic because these factors are constantly changing, affecting the whole system and ultimately, learning outcomes.
But learning outcomes are facing a massive challenge in the form of high dropout rates, poor academic performance, and a widening gap between industrial requirements and skills available. This study proposes the concept of systems thinking as a solution to these problems by recommending a non-linear and holistic approach to addressing problems in the education system. It explores case studies of educational institutions that have applied systems thinking in the past and uses the findings to suggest models which can be implemented in order to improve learning outcomes for all higher education institutions.
To identify the problems leading to ineffective learning outcomes in higher education
Purpose: The purpose of this goal is to delve into learning processes of today’s higher education institutions, thereby identifying the problems that reduce students’ learning outcomes. It will examine the characteristics of these institutions that make it complex and dynamic.
Method: a mix of different secondary data analysis methods will be used to achieve this goal, including:
- Literature review
- Critical review
- Systematic review
- Empirical review
Note: Prior experience/ knowledge of literature review is recommended.
To contribute and publish select a pending milestone.
Completed
There are no completed milestones.
Pending
The problem of linear thinking in higher education
Purpose: The purpose of this milestone is to emphasise how higher education institutions are complex, limiting the success of static models and approaches. It sheds light on why the linear approach to education is failing and therefore a holistic framework is required to achieve better learning outcomes.
Methodology: Use the literature review method to achieve this milestone. Refer to research articles linear thinking, how it is applied in education, complexity in systems, the outcome of linear approaches in education, and the importance of using non-linear thinking in complex systems like education. Use at least 20 articles from top reviewed journal publications like T&F, Elsevier, Springer and Sage published after 2015.
Structure of the article: To achieve this milestone, prepare an article in the below structure.
- What makes higher education systems complex?
- What is a linear approach to a system?
- How is linear thinking applied in education and why is it failing?
- curriculum development
- teaching quality & pedagogical effectiveness
- student retention
- faculty satisfaction
- industry preparedness
- How dynamic, holistic or systemic models can help (with instances)
- Concluding paragraph
Is the learning process of a higher education institution conducive for knowledge capacity?
Purpose: The purpose of a university is to enhance knowledge capacity of students and prepare them for the requirements of the future workplace. However, this can be misunderstood as promoting high grades. The purpose of this milestone is to determine if the environment of modern universities lean towards promoting high grades rather than knowledge capacity.
Methodology: Use the literature review method to achieve this milestone. Refer to research articles on learning processes in modern higher education institutions, their goals for student learning, limitations of grades-first attitude, and the outcomes/ importance of their emphasis of knowledge capacity. Use at least 20 articles from top reviewed journal publications like T&F, Elsevier, Springer and Sage published after 2015.
Structure: To achieve this milestone, prepare an article following the below structure.
- Learning processes/ approaches used in modern higher education institutions
- Emphasis on knowledge versus grades via these approaches
- Critical opinion- are these approaches conducive for knowledge capacity? Why or why not? Provide sufficient evidence
Note: Experience in literature review, critical review and critical writing is mandatory for achieving this milestone.
A critical review of curriculum effectiveness in higher education institutions
Purpose: Curriculum effectiveness remains one of the top challenges of modern higher education institutions. Ineffective curricula have numerous negative implications for stakeholders of these institutions. The purpose of this milestone is to critically review the problems in curricula today and how effective/ ineffective they are for achievement of stakeholders’ goals.
Methodology: Use the critical review method to achieve this milestone. Refer to research articles on how curricula are developed in higher education, methods of developing them, and how they are managing/ failing to create the workforce of tomorrow. Use at least 20 articles from top reviewed journal publications like T&F, Elsevier, Springer and Sage published after 2015.
Structure: To achieve this milestone, prepare an article following the below structure.
- Introduction to curricula in higher education institutions today and how are they developed?
- Are they conducive to creating a future-ready workforce?
- Critical review: Problems in curriculum effectiveness in modern institutions
- Methods of creating effective curricula for higher education and factors to consider
Note: Prior experience in writing critical review articles is preferred.
Why should higher education institutions become systems thinkers?
Purpose: systems thinking is a less popular but highly effective approach to solving crucial problems in organisations. ‘Systemic problem’ is one which is deeply ingrained in a system and affects the overall functioning. In education systems, systems thinking approach is being explored to improve learning outcomes. The purpose of this milestone is to explore the basics of systems thinking, its application in education, and why higher education institutions should use systemic approaches to learning problems.
Methodology: Use the literature review method to achieve this milestone. Refer only to research papers. Use at least 20 articles from top reviewed journal publications like T&F, Elsevier, Springer and Sage published after 2015.
Structure: To achieve this milestone, prepare an article following the below structure.
- What is systems thinking? Examples of universities using systems thinking in their strategic management today (very brief paragraph)
- Importance/ uses of systems thinking in higher education (explain each in detail)
- To improve learning
- Enhancing knowledge capacity
- Enhancing faculty preparedness
- Improving teaching strategies
- More classroom activities
- Course development
- Student assessment
- R&D activities
- Creating Feedback system
- Improving diversity/ inclusivity in classrooms
- Cultivating multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary learning
- Policymaking
Educational institution leadership outcomes of systems thinking
Purpose: In this article the aim is to show how application of systems thinking can lead to better leadership outcomes. Although you must try to make the discussion specific to the education industry, it can be generic if there is not enough evidence pertaining to the education industry.
Methodology: Use the literature review method to achieve this milestone. Refer only to research papers. Use at least 20 articles from top reviewed journal publications like T&F, Elsevier, Springer and Sage published after 2015.
Structure of the article: To achieve this milestone, prepare an article following the below structure.
- What are 'leadership outcomes'?
- Impact of systems thinking in leadership outcomes
- Information sharing for holistic improvement
- Accountability
- Parity in learning experiences- literacy and numeracy of students
- Creating systemic feedback loops for evidence-informed decision making
- encouraging inclusivity
- (any other)
- Concluding paragraph
How can systems thinking be applied in higher education?
Purpose: The purpose of this milestone is to explore how systems thinking is currently being applied in higher education institutions. Do not explore the basics of systems thinking; it is already explored in other milestones. Analyse the approaches, strategies and models of systems thinking that are currently being used in universities today.
Methodology: Use the literature review and critical review methods to achieve this milestone. Refer only to research papers. Use at least 20 articles from top reviewed journal publications like T&F, Elsevier, Springer and Sage published after 2015.
Structure: To achieve this milestone, prepare an article following the below structure.
- Goal of using systems thinking in higher education- what is it used for?
- Critical review- Methods/ models/ approaches/ strategies of systems thinking applied in higher education institutions today (select 5-6 approaches. Explain how each of them is applied and critically review each.)
- Method/ approach 1 & its critical review
- Method/ approach 2 & its critical review
- Method/ approach 3 & its critical review
- Method/ approach 4 & its critical review
- Method/ approach 5 & its critical review
- Method/ approach 6 & its critical review
Note: Prior experience in writing critical review articles is preferred.
Looking at educational institutions as a system of interconnected parts
Purpose: There is something called as ‘complex’ systems. Complex systems are those which have many small interconnected parts which are constantly interacting with each other. The results of these interactions are hard to predict, which makes them dynamic and unpredictable. For example, the business ecosystem is made up of the government, business entities, employees, society, charitable institutions, vendors, educational institutions, and technology. Changes in any one of these components is likely to affect the whole business ecosystem. Similarly, educational institutions are also complex institutions. The goal of this milestone is to explain how to look at educational institutions as a complex system.
Methodology: Use the literature review method to achieve this milestone. Refer only to research papers. Use at least 20 articles from top reviewed journal publications like T&F, Elsevier, Springer and Sage published after 2015.
Structure: To achieve this milestone, prepare an article following the below structure.
- The meaning of a ‘system’- a sum of interconnected parts
- Characteristics that make an educational institution a ‘system’
- What are interconnected parts in an educational institution that makes it a ‘system’?
- Interconnected part # 1 and its role in the educational institution as a system
- Interconnected part # 2 and its role in the educational institution as a system
- Interconnected part # 3 and its role in the educational institution as a system
- Interconnected part # 4 and its role in the educational institution as a system
- Interconnected part # 5 and its role in the educational institution as a system
- Interconnected part # 6 and its role in the educational institution as a system
Challenges in applying systems thinking in educational institutions
Purpose: There are plenty of tools are available for applying systems thinking in an educational institution like mind maps, causal loop diagrams, and system archetypes. Still the process is not simple and many institutions struggle to understand where to start and how to fully integrate it throughout their system. The goal of this milestone is to identify and explain in detail the challenges educational institutions face in applying systems thinking.
Do not explain the basics of systems thinking. It is already being explored in other milestones.
Methodology: Use the literature review method to achieve this milestone. Refer only to research papers. Use at least 20 articles from top reviewed journal publications like T&F, Elsevier, Springer and Sage published after 2015.
Structure: To achieve this milestone, prepare an article following the below structure.
- Expected outcomes of applying systems thinking in educational institutions- with examples of real universities which have applied it in the past (very briefly)
- Why is it challenging to apply systems thinking in any organisation?
- Challenges in applying systems thinking in an educational institution
- Challenge # 1- explain the challenge and the outcome of this challenge
- Challenge # 2- explain the challenge and the outcome of this challenge
- Challenge # 3- explain the challenge and the outcome of this challenge
- Challenge # 4- explain the challenge and the outcome of this challenge
- Challenge # 5- explain the challenge and the outcome of this challenge
- Challenge # 6- explain the challenge and the outcome of this challenge
To recommend a systems thinking framework to improve higher education institutions’ learning outcomes
Purpose: the purpose of this goal is to use primary data to identify various systems thinking frameworks which have been implemented in educational institutions in the past. Their common parameters, challenges faced, and outcomes of implementation will be examined to recommend a suitable framework in line with modern higher education problems, especially those that emerged after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Method: To achieve this goal primary data consisting of interviews will be collected from at least 5 higher education institutions across the world. Their answers will be analysed thematically in depth. In the end, based on the findings, a suitable framework will be developed combining modern problems with past outcomes. An implementation plan will also be developed for these institutions.
Note: experience in designing questionnaires, collecting interview data and analysing them is mandatory for achieving this goal.
To contribute and publish select a pending milestone.
Completed
There are no completed milestones.
Pending
Methodology for examining the application of systems thinking in higher education institutions
Note: this milestone involves creation of a ‘conceptual framework’ which is dependent on all the milestones in Goal 1. Therefore this milestone cannot be achieved unless all the milestones in Goal 1 are completed.
Purpose: in order to achieve this goal of the module, primary research will be carried out wherein 8 higher education institutions representatives will be interviewed. A structured and open-ended questionnaire will be used as the data collection tool. The goal of this article is to create a conceptual framework based on the patterns found in the milestones of Goal 1. This milestone will also explain the methodology that is undertaken for conducting the interviews.
Methodology: Read all the milestones under ‘Goal 1’. If any of them is still showing in the ‘Pending’ section then do not proceed with this milestone. Then draw the conceptual framework diagram which must represent the following:
- Elements that make educational institutions complex
- Problems in the linear approach to learning in educational institutions
- Methods/ strategies of applying systems thinking in higher education
- Outcomes of systems thinking in higher education institutions
- Challenges in applying systems thinking in higher education institutions
After this, explain the research methodology undertaken to collect the interview data from higher education institutions which have applied systems thinking in operational process to improve learning outcomes. Propose interviews with senior management representatives from 8 higher education institutions from around the world. Purposive sampling is used to select these institutions. Interviews will be held online via Zoom meetings over a span of 1-2 months. Their responses will be recorded and the audio files will be transcribed later for analysis.
The questionnaire will contain questions related to the conceptual framework.
Structure: in order to achieve this milestone, write an article following the below structure:
- Conceptual framework of systems thinking in higher education institutions
- Data type (primary method, consisting of interviews)
- Target population (large higher education institutions serving at least 1000 students and who have applied systems thinking in their strategic process in the last 5 years)
- Data collection instrument
- Questionnaire format (follow the points mentioned in the ‘Methodology’ section above)
- Data collection method (online, via Zoom, after approaching them, explaining them about the intent of our interview, obtaining permissions, undertaking confidentiality agreements)
- Data analysis method- thematic analysis
Note: Prior experience in making conceptual frameworks and research methodology is mandatory
Theme 1- How are higher education institutions around the world using systems thinking to improve learning outcomes?
Note:
- This goal cannot be achieved until the previous milestone ‘Methodology for examining the application of systems thinking in higher education institutions’ is completed.
- Prior experience in analysing interview data is mandatory.
Purpose: This milestone explains the findings of interviews conducted with the selected higher education institutions. The interviews were conducted for a specific purpose- to understand the systems thinking strategies and approaches which are being used by these institutions to improve learning outcomes.
Methodology: This milestone must not make use of theory/ secondary data, except for literary support. Focus must majorly be on analysing interview data using codes and themes (optional). Connect with the Module Creator for transcripts of the interview. Make use of thematic analysis with snippets from the interview to explain the findings.
Structure: To achieve this milestone write an article explaining the findings of the data. Since this milestone depends completely on interview data, there is no specific format to follow. However your article must focus only on systems thinking strategies/ approaches used by the institutions. Also explain the stakeholders, tools, resources, and information these institutions use to apply systems thinking.
Theme 2- Outcomes of systems thinking in higher education institutions
Note:
- This goal cannot be achieved until the previous milestone ‘Methodology for examining the application of systems thinking in higher education institutions’ is completed.
- Prior experience in analysing interview data is mandatory.
Purpose: This milestone explains the findings of interviews conducted with the selected higher education institutions. The interviews were conducted for a specific purpose- to understand the systems thinking strategies and approaches which are being used by these institutions to improve learning outcomes.
Methodology: This milestone must not make use of theory/ secondary data, except for literary support. Focus must majorly be on analysing interview data using codes and themes (optional). Connect with the Module Creator for transcripts of the interview. Make use of thematic analysis with snippets from the interview to explain the findings.
Structure: To achieve this milestone write an article explaining the findings of the data. Since this milestone depends completely on interview data, there is no specific format to follow. However your article must focus only on OUTCOMES of systems thinking strategies/ approaches used by the institutions. Also compare the actual outcomes to the expected outcomes and justify the differences (if any) with the gaps in systems thinking application in general organisations.
Theme 3- Challenges in applying systems thinking in higher education institutions
Note:
- This goal cannot be achieved until the previous milestone ‘Methodology for examining the application of systems thinking in higher education institutions’ is completed.
- Prior experience in analysing interview data is mandatory.
Purpose: This milestone explains the findings of interviews conducted with the selected higher education institutions. The interviews were conducted for a specific purpose- to understand the systems thinking strategies and approaches which are being used by these institutions to improve learning outcomes.
Methodology: This milestone must not make use of theory/ secondary data, except for literary support. Focus must majorly be on analysing interview data using codes and themes (optional). Connect with the Module Creator for transcripts of the interview. Make use of thematic analysis with snippets from the interview to explain the findings.
Structure: To achieve this milestone write an article explaining the findings of the data. Since this milestone depends completely on interview data, there is no specific format to follow. However your article must focus only on CHALLENGES faced by those institutions when they apply systems thinking strategies/ approaches. Also explain the outcome of these challenges for different stakeholders, on the overall learning outcomes, and the tools and methods they used to address these challenges.
Recommended framework for applying systems thinking in higher education institutions to improve learning outcomes
Note: This milestone cannot be achieved until the following previous milestones are completed:
- Theme 1- How are higher education institutions around the world using systems thinking to improve learning outcomes?
- Theme 2- Outcomes of systems thinking in higher education institutions
- Theme 3- Challenges in applying systems thinking in higher education institutions
Purpose: this is the concluding article of this module. Here, the ultimate goal of recommending a framework of systems thinking in higher education institutions will be achieved. This framework needs to be elaborate, meticulously prepared and visually descriptive. Its purpose is to simplify not only the application of systems thinking in higher education institutions, but also point to the systemic problems it will address, how to handle challenges in application, and demonstrate how it leads to the common goal of improving learning outcomes.
Methodology: Draw a detailed framework showing all the elements explained above. It must not be copy-pasted from any source. It must be created by yourself using any application. Words written, if any, should be legible. All elements of the diagram must be clearly visible and show the flow of the process.
Structure: To achieve this milestone, write an article in the below format.
- Findings of the empirical analysis (all 3 themes)
- Recommended framework diagram
- Explanation of the framework diagram
- How does the recommended framework lead to improved learning outcomes?
- Considerations/ requirements for implementing the framework
- Resources and tools which the institutions can use to apply the framework