[NMScience] FW: UNM Teacher Institute

[Ellen Loehman]

"A Learner-Centered Approach to Tackle Complex Problems: The Case of
Managing a Renewable Resource" (on February 16th, 2008)

Short Description:

Educators are challenged to teach their students innovative thinking and
problem solving skills for increasingly complex and dynamic problems, such
as global warming. This one-day workshop will introduce a learner-centered
approach based upon the disciplines of Systems Thinking and System Dynamics.
We will use a computer-simulation game to learn how to manage a renewable
resource, a fishery. The game format provides a highly involved and exciting
learning environment. Through their active role as fishing companies,
participants will sharpen their skills in thinking, negotiation, and
cooperative problem solving. They learn how renewable resources are governed
by a complex system of variables that range from economics and politics to
psychology and biology. This specific lesson will cover the tragedy of the
"commons," the notion of a "tipping" point, and sustainability. In the
process, participants will be exposed to key principles, tools and skills of
Systems Thinking and System Dynamics. The workshop is tailored to middle and
high-school teachers. The computer game that it is based upon has been used
in sessions for children as young as 12, for high-school and university
students, for fishermen, public officials, foundation officers, and senior
managers.

Where: UNM Main campus Northrop Hall 114
When: Saturday February 16, 2008
What else: Free lunch and classroom activities
How do I sign up: Email Matt Nyman at mwnyman at unm.edu to
sign up or for more details.


Matthew W. Nyman
Natural Science Program
Earth and Planetary Science
University of New Mexico
Northrop Hall
Albuquerque, NM  87131

505-277-4355 (office)