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The thinking gap

Hi, thank you for taking the time to fill in this survey.
 
I'm a design master's students currently working on my final solo project where I'm designing a tool for teachers to use in the classroom. I'm UK based but happy to hear from teachers all over the world.

Your responses will directly inform the design of this tool and ensure it reflects what teachers actually need.

This survey is anonymous. Your answers will be used solely for personal research purposes. If you are happy for selected responses to be referenced in academic presentations, please indicate your consent at the end of the survey.

Section 1: 
About you

What subject(s) do you teach?

What age group do you teach?

What age group do you teach?
A
B
C

How long have you been teaching?

How long have you been teaching?
A
B
C
D
E

In what type of school do you work?
(e.g. state-funded, public etc)

Section 2: 
Your classroom

Which of the following do you find most challenging in the classroom?
Select up to 3.

Which of the following do you find most challenging in the classroom?Select up to 3.

How do you know when a student genuinely understands a topic? 
Not just able to cite the right answer.

Section 3:
Technology in the classroom

How would you describe your attitude towards EdTech (educational technology)?
Not including technology used for management and communication.

How would you describe your attitude towards EdTech (educational technology)?Not including technology used for management and communication.
A
B
C
D

What has most held you back from using new tools (digital, analogue or hybrid) in the classroom? (select all that apply)

What has most held you back from using new tools (digital, analogue or hybrid) in the classroom? (select all that apply)

Section 4:
Systems thinking

Systems thinking in schools is a holistic, pedagogical approach that teaches students to understand complex, interconnected issues rather than isolated facts. It is increasingly recognised as a core skill across subjects, from science to history to social studies.

Do you currently teach systems thinking in any form?

Do you currently teach systems thinking in any form?
A
B
C
D

If you do teach it, could you give a short description of how?

What do you see as the main barriers to teaching systems thinking?
Select up to 2.

What do you see as the main barriers to teaching systems thinking?Select up to 2.

How would you go about testing, grading and assessing students' systems thinking skills?

Section 5 (final section):
The concept

I am developing a classroom tool that helps teachers teach systems thinking across subjects, or within a single subject. Students use it to visualise connections between topics from different lessons, building a picture of how ideas relate and influence each other. For example, when studying Marie Curie in chemistry, a student might map her discovery of polonium as a technological breakthrough, but also note her role in advancing gender equality as the first woman to win a Nobel Prize.
The map evolves over time through guided classroom discussion: the teacher inputs contributions in real time as the conversation unfolds. This could happen within a subject lesson, during PSHE, or at whatever point fits the timetable. Students can access a read-only version outside of lessons to support studying and homework.
There are still many elements to figure out which is why I would really value your opinion.
Below is an image that shows one version of what this tool could look like.
Note: this is proof of concept, this will be improved to ensure user-friendliness.
https://storage.tally.so/15f6439e-9e34-4604-ade5-93891beb84c0/Knowledge-map-survey-image.jpg
I'm also considering making a fully analogue version to make it more inclusive for those who don't like using digital tools.

What are your initial thoughts about this tool?

What aspect of this concept interest you most?

What aspect of this concept interest you most?

What concerns you the most about a tool like this?

What should I consider to make this tool as easy to adopt as possible?
eg. clear framework with intended goals, question examples to guide discussion etc...

What should be considered in the design of this tool to ensure it is accessible and inclusive for all students and teachers

Any other thoughts you would like to share, please feel free to write below.

I consent to selected responses being used in academic presentations.

I consent to selected responses being used in academic presentations.
A
B