Systems thinking has great potential in education. Here are 5 ways to deliver it

In a world where challenges are on the rise, systems thinking provides a powerful framework for addressing them in educational settings, professional development initiatives and skills enhancement programmes. While not yet mainstream in education, systems thinking is an innovative, underutilized approach that makes complex concepts accessible to diverse learners.

Research shows that integrating systems thinking in the learning environment fosters a holistic understanding of complex issues, even for learners with varying backgrounds and abilities.

Systems thinking has great potential to prepare learners for the workforce of the future.

Implementing systems thinking through the building of systems maps can cultivate a shared language for discussing complex systems among students, helping learners build confidence and collaborate effectively, even when language comprehension is limited. Tools such as causal loop diagrams and mapping enable diverse groups to develop mutual understandings by focusing on visual connections. Participatory systems mapping allows learners to describe system interactions in their own words, helping each participant grasp concepts on their own terms. By emphasizing concepts over vocabulary, these structured pathways can foster inclusive collaboration across language differences, equipping learners for challenging and diverse future situations.

Systems thinking also enables students to actively develop a more complete understanding of complex systems. By engaging case studies, digital tools and real-world applications, systems thinking students have the opportunity to engage holistically with global challenges. As they engage with interconnected and complex elements, they often discover unexpected relationships, prompting deeper inquiry and exploration.

Additionally, students develop foundational vocabulary in areas like digital transformation and social media, supporting their ability to apply these abstract concepts in the future. Kinesthetic activities, such as group map-building, aid this by making abstract concepts more tangible. This hands-on, learner-centered approach effectively deepened student engagement and facilitates meaningful learning that is applicable to real challenges and situations learners may encounter in an increasingly complex world.

Goal-oriented planning is another key skill taught as part of systems thinking. By focusing on clear objectives from the outset — and understanding how to plot their path toward them — learners are equipped to understand how different ideas relate to their goals, whether they are personal, career-oriented or educational.

A recent Global Business course at Enderun Colleges in Manila, Philippines, offered a unique opportunity to observe systems thinking in action. In this case, a group of Japanese business students from the University of Hyogo, Japan, participated in a class titled Mapping Global Marketing Strategies in a Digitally Transformed World.

In this course, students explored topics like global marketing through case studies, digital tools and real-world applications, and were encouraged to investigate real-world issues.

Here are five proven strategies for improving learners’ understanding of complex topics, drawn from that week-long course:

Systems thinking can serve as a tool for differentiation in the learning environment. In this course, three student groups with varying proficiency levels followed the same lesson plan, but teachers tailored certain elements, such as providing time extensions and additional support. This approach ensures consistent learning outcomes across all proficiency levels and equitable access to learning opportunities.

Curiosity is a cornerstone of effective learning, essential for developing lifelong learners motivated to explore, question and connect ideas beyond the classroom. A systems thinking mindset fosters curiosity by revealing surprises and novel insights in complex systems, inspiring students to investigate real-world issues and promoting a mindset of inquiry, ultimately leading to a richer learning experience.

A learner-centred environment enhances the learning process, particularly when paired with systems thinking to encourage a holistic perspective. This combination fosters a "zoom in, zoom out" approach, igniting curiosity through personal connections while cultivating a comprehensive understanding of complex systems. Such strategies ensure students remain engaged and invested in their learning.

Visual mapping enhances a constructivist approach by enabling students to create systems maps and develop solutions that connect concepts across disciplines. This process fosters a practical understanding of complex issues by connecting abstract ideas — loops, systems mapping, and interconnectedness, for example — to familiar terms through visual aids, enabling learners to articulate their thoughts with confidence and develop a shared language for discussing systems. This method bridges language barriers, allowing students to collaborate, engage in discussions and benefit from peer learning, regardless of their English proficiency.

Goal-oriented planning is a key systems thinking strategy for introducing complex concepts. Backward design starts by defining end goals and aligning each lesson component to achieve them. This systems approach enables teachers to anticipate learning challenges and create a clear, accessible learning path for all students to understand complex ideas. Integrating backward design ensures that all learners engage meaningfully with complex content.

Systems thinking helps learners build problem-solving, creativity and collaboration skills, regardless of language barriers. Similarly, systems thinking helps students see learning as a gateway to new ways of understanding and interacting with the world, equipping them to navigate complexity well beyond the classroom.