Enhancing Student Understanding through Active Learning: A Systems Thinking Approach to Science Education

Kafi James-Lewis

A chapter in Instructional Strategies for Active Learning from IntechOpen

Abstract: This chapter addresses a crucial challenge in science education--cultivating an understanding of living organisms as intricate systems interacting with their environment. The objective is to highlight the necessity of an interdisciplinary approach in science education for students to apply their knowledge effectively in solving complex problems. Developing systems thinking skills is pivotal for comprehensively understanding complex natural phenomena. Despite being a mental construct beyond direct perception, systems thinking skills are essential and can be acquired with practice and experience. A framework integrating various system approaches is proposed to aid in developing systems thinking skills. An active learning methodology emphasizing case-based, problem-based, self-reflection, and directed learning is crucial in enhancing systems thinking abilities among students. This book chapter explores systems thinking and its potential to facilitate active learning, providing educators with valuable insights into fostering a flexible and holistic understanding of complex scientific phenomena among advanced biology students.

Keywords: active learning; systems thinking; pedagogy; critical thinking; metacognition; problem-solving; case-based learning; biological organisms; biochemistry education (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I23 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ito:pchaps:329958

DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.114940

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