Abstract for: Virtual Methods for Developing Systems Thinkers across Generations, Work Groups and Geographies

Since March 2020, the Waters Center for Systems Thinking, a non-profit, has successfully adopted virtual capacity-building structures and methodologies, resulting in a growing and diverse learner network. Having been a go-to organization for systems thinking in preK-12 education over the past several decades, their practical, creative and customized approach has generated an expanded network throughout diverse sectors including government agencies, medical and health system science educators, social justice advocates, and business and community organizations. During this workshop participants will -Engage in active systems thinking learning exercises that have resulted in high levels of learner satisfaction. -Learn how these exercises apply to teaching, coaching, consulting and facilitating. -Have an opportunity to learn from and with one another. -Make connections between adult learning research and demonstrated capacity-building methodologies. -Explore methods for assessing systems thinking capabilities. -Experience Cauzality: an online, collaborative tool to explore and draw causal relationships. -Utilize several other virtual platforms including Slido, Miro and Padlet. -Share their own stories of success that demonstrate additional ways to introduce systems thinking to novices and strategies to develop seasoned practitioners. Participants should come with a participatory attitude, and be ready to network, build community and have fun while learning.