How can we improve Systems Thinking among Gen Z?

The global population is rapidly increasing, and the food system is adapting along with it. Developing the workforce of the future in a way that enables them to think critically and systematically has never been more important. Through systems thinking, students in agriculture and environmental sciences can better understand and innovate in their future roles. It will always be a challenge to balance human and environmental needs, so these skills are essential.

Understanding the Intersection of Systems Thinking and Green Consumption Values:

• High Engagement with Systems Thinking: Most students say that they use systems thinking when trying to understand event sequences and the dynamics around them. This highlights the natural inclination of Gen Z members towards finding innovative solutions.

• Moderate Alignment with Green Consumption Values: Students understand that it is important to avoid harming the environment. However, they don’t necessarily demonstrate those values within their purchasing behaviors. This is likely a byproduct of the financial constraints of student life.

• Correlation Between Systems Thinking and Green Values: In our study, there was a small association between systems thinking and green consumption values. This indicates there is a nuanced relationship here that deserves a closer look.

Challenges and Future Directions:

• Enhancing Educational Approaches: Education needs to adapt to more effectively integrate systems thinking and green consumption. This may require a shift toward experiential learning that more accurately reflects the real world.

• Addressing Financial Constraints: The financial limitations of students are well known. That reality needs to be recognized and affordable ways to make different options accessible to all should be included in the learning process.

• Expanding Research and Understanding: The connection between student backgrounds and their inclination toward systems thinking and sustainability values warrants further research.

Systems thinking is a powerful tool to better understand how the "real world" operates, particularly in agriculture and environmental sciences - where there are seldom easy solutions available without some tradeoffs. We can prepare students to deal with the complex issues of the world by matching educational outcomes to principles like systems thinking. I've included the full manuscript below if you would like to learn more. Please share your insights using the comments.

GenZSystemThinking.pdf

Download PDF • 334KB

Byrd, A. R., Gibson, K. E., Sanders, C. E., Corry, R., Lamm, K. W., & Lamm, A. J. (2023). An educational exploration of Generation Z's systems thinking tendencies and green consumer values. Journal of Agricultural Education, 64(4), 15-28. https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.v64i4.64