Dr.
Cheng Nga Yee, Irene
Assistant
Professor,
Department of Mathematics, Science, Social Sciences & Technology,
The Hong Kong Institute of Education
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Presentation Topic:
Learning
"system" concept and system thinking
in interdisciplinary curriculum
Abstract:
Thinking
in the modern world can no longer rely on isolated single linear
cause-effect relationships. To cope with complicated problems in real
world, students should learn how to make connections across different
domains, understand the dynamic interactions among various elements, and
build up holistic schema for analyzing issues and solving problems.
"System" concept is one of the useful vehicles for constructing
this kind of thinking schema, and this can be learnt from young age. This
study proposes a school-based curriculum design, in which the learning of
system concept
and system thinking into the existing General Studies curriculum. The
suggested pedagogy includes three learning stages, namely illumination,
construction and application of the system concept. From comparing various
systems (including solar and government systems; blood circulation and
mass transit railway systems and the like) to the implementation of the
whole curriculum in primary schools, concrete teaching methods are
suggested. The talk would also discuss the rationales adopted in designing
this curriculum, and display exemplars of its teaching materials. Teachers
and educators are interviewed to solicit their professional opinions on
the curriculum design, including its possible learning outcomes and the
perceived obstacles in its implementation. The potentials and limitations
of the proposed curriculum design would be further discussed.
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