Learning about Dynamic Problems with Computer Simulators: A Case of System Dynamics Simulation Models
A vast body of research shows that people by and large fail to understand and manage dynamic environments. Given the increasing complexity of our world, there is an urgent need to develop more effective ways to present dynamic problems. Many studies propose computer simulators as virtual learning environments to help people understand and manage complex problems. Still, experimental data show that simulators often carry problems from reality into the virtual laboratory. An analysis from the perspective of cognitive load theory suggests that learning about complex problems could be improved by enhancing descriptions with simulation elements that would facilitate interactive exploration of th…
Transforming food systems at local levels: using participatory system dynamics in an interactive manner to refine small-scale farmers’ mental models
Food systems will need to undergo considerable transformation. To be better prepared for and resilient to uncertainty and disturbances in the future, resource users and managers need to further develop knowledge about the food and farming system, with its dominating feedback structures and complexities, and to test robust and integrated system-based solutions. This paper investigates how participatory system dynamics modeling can be adapted to groups at the community level with low or no formal educational background. The paper also analyses the refinement of workshop participants’ mental models as a consequence of a participatory system dynamics intervention. For this purpose, we ran two w…
Transforming Food Systems at Local Levels: Using Participatory System Dynamics in an Interactive Manner to Refine Small-Scale Farmers’ Mental Models
Food systems will need to undergo considerable transformation. To be better prepared for and resilient to uncertainty and disturbances in the future, resource users and managers need to further develop knowledge about the food and farming system, with its dominating feedback structures and complexities, and to test robust and integrated system-based solutions. This paper investigates how participatory system dynamics modeling can be adapted to groups at the community level with low or no formal educational background. The paper also analyzes the refinement of workshop participants’ mental models as a consequence of a participatory system dynamics intervention. For this purpose, we…
Resilience Planning, a Facilitated Modelling Approach
Resilience has emerged as a buzzword among researchers and practitioners. However, despite its popularity, there has been little progress in moving it from an elaborate metaphor describing an idyllic state of the system to a tool for planning and managing adaptation. While case study research is rich with examples of systems that have proven to be resilient or are striving to develop resilience, there is no defined approach that operationalises concepts described in the literature into the planning process. This paper helps close this gap by illustrating how facilitated modelling can be used for resilience planning in socio-ecological systems. The paper summarizes our experience using facil…