IMPLEMENTING SYSTEM THINKING IN HIGHER EDUCATION TO TEACH BUSINESS COURSES

Abstract

Students in classrooms construct their own knowledge through experiences gained by observing, exploring and performing in the real world. The constructivist approach to education centers on this claim. This paper explore the use of system thinking tools to enhance the learning process in universities courses, which through testing different scenarios “enrich and broaden both the scope of activity and the scope of thinking of the student”. Through computer-based instructional simulations, we can provide a wide variety of learning experiences to the students in classrooms. The simulation environment provides them with the observations and experiences that they must attempt to explain, assimilate and combine with their existing knowledge. The present paper describes the role of computer-based instructional simulations as a system thinking approach in teaching-learning process.

The students’ achievements were measured using a test. A pre-test was given before simulation to know their performance level and pre-knowledge and a post test was administered after simulation to examine whether they showed a progress or not. Their achievement results were analyzed by using a t-test. The analysis of the result indicates that, students who were taught using computer simulations as a teaching aid showed a good progress.

Keywords: System Thinking, Education, Business Courses, University Students.

Note: This paper was conducted during the author’s sabbatical leave from al-zaytoonah university of Jordan