However, if you can identify them and connect them to the events that you are seeing, you may be able to develop lasting solutions that target the whole system rather than short term, reactive solutions. Just like an iceberg, 90% of which is invisible beneath the water, these structures are often hidden below the surface. By asking you to connect an event–a single incident or occurrence–to patterns of behavior, systems structures, and mental models, the iceberg allows you to see the structures underlying the event. The iceberg model is a valuable tool to encourage systemic thinking and help you contextualize an issue as part of a whole system. Image courtesy of Don Clark and his OODA and Double-Loop Learning Activity page If we continue the example of the thermostat above, a double loop thermostat would ask why before altering the temperature–are there people here to enjoy the heat? Are the people dressed appropriately? Could we open or close a window instead? The double loop thermometer takes into account its current environment and situation when making decisions.To learn more about this learning tool, try reading Infed’s article on Chris Argyris or visiting Instructional Design’s Double Loop Learning page. Double-loop learning occurs when error is detected and corrected in ways that involve the modification of an organization’s underlying norms, policies and objectives.
The thermostat can perform this task because it can receive information (the temperature of the room) and take corrective action. Single-loop learning is like a thermostat that learns when it is too hot or too cold and turns the heat on or off. When the error detected and corrected permits the organization to carry on its present policies or achieve its presents objectives, then that error-and-correction process is single-loop learning. Argyris and Schön, who developed and elaborated the double loop theory, describe different types of learning as follows: The idea is to enable solutions to problems that are complex and ill-structured. For teaching and learning resources check out AskNature Resources.ĭouble loop learning is a learning process that goes beyond surface level goals, techniques, and responses to target the assumptions and values underlying the system. More helpful resources can be found at the Biomimicry Institute, their nonprofit counterpart. The consulting company Biomimicry 3.8 has a great introduction to this approach to problem solving. For instance, an oyster’s mechanisms for filtering water might be used to inform man-made filtration systems, or a forest ecosystem that breaks down and reuses its own detritus might inform the design of a waste-treatment facility. Because it has been evolving and perfecting its systems for millions of years, nature can provide powerful examples of sustainable solutions. Otto Scharmer of the Presencing Institute is especially helpful in understanding the theory.īiomimicry is the concept of using natural forms, materials, and processes as models to drive human innovation.
It begins by observing reality as it is, retreating and reflecting on those observations, and then enacting a new reality.įor more information about U Process, visit the Presencing Institute.
#Donella medaow the system lens series#
This process, pictured below, guides participants through a series of steps. U Process, also know as Theory U, is a useful methodology for collectively approaching difficult problems and developing innovative, appropriate solutions. To read a more in-depth discussion of Senge’s ideas, we recommend this article from Infed. Leveraged together, they contribute heavily to the success of learning organizations, defined by Senge as, “…organizations where people continually expand their capacity to create the results they truly desire, where new and expansive patterns of thinking are nurtured, where collective aspiration is set free, and where people are continually learning to see the whole together.”įor descriptions of each of these disciplines, visit the Society for Organizational Learning’s website. See our Systems Thinking Resources below! Concepts and Frameworks The Five Learning Disciplinesĭeveloped by renowned systems thinker Peter Senge, these five disciplines each enhance the ability of a person or organization to use learning effectively.
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