Civic Systems
In the spirit of open-source, all materials are free to educators for use with their own learners. There’s no advertising, no signup, no strings attached.
In the same open-source spirit, we invite your participation in an interactive, supportive, on-line community to explore improvements, discuss learner reactions, and offer additional or alternative activities. See “Discussions and User Feedback” (right column). (Note that all suggested posts are reviewed for appropriate content before appearing on this site.)
Download links:
Overview for Teachers and Mentors
Unit 3: Setting & Demographics
Unit 4: Action Patterns & Shared Ideas
Unit 5: System Change & Dysfunction
What is it?
Civic Systems is an introduction to systems-based learning (SBL) that uses the learner’s immediate environment and local government as primary learning resources. An understanding of systemic relationships is essential to societal survival and responsible citizenship, but is neglected by conventional textbooks and curricula.
Civic Systems instructional activities require “active learning” to help learners develop a full range of cognitive processing skills, and expand their understanding of the myriad systems—environmental, economic, governmental, and more—that shape their present and future lives.
Initial activities overlap the Introduction to Systems course, and use many of the same activities. In situations where more-conventional course subject matter is required, it may be substituted for that course.