An arts-based approach to facilitating systems thinking in student leadership programs

Valeria CortesApril 3, 2013

Why? In what ways the implementation of Image Theatre in Student Leadership Programs illustrate the potentiality for undergraduate students to better understand ‘the bigger picture’ and the interconnections of their intersecting social systems?

Student LeadershipThe Social Change Model of Leadership Development (Higher Education Research Institute, 1996)

Society

Group

Individual

Change

What is Image Theatre?

What is Systems Thinking?

Research Design

• Arts-based methodology• Environmental Sustainability and

Leadership Development Program

Image Theatre

as research method

and pedagogy

Hidden systems

Findings Implications for Practice

Student’s understanding of systems

Enhanced curriculum design:

Awareness of system integrators

•Theoretical integration

Strong idea of activism •Opportunity for intentional learning

Awareness of complexity Increased awareness of the times we live in

Facilitator’s reflexivity Enhanced pedagogy:Preparation and training, focus on real stories, scope, time,

*Graphic recording as a tool for learning and reflection

Raising awareness of arts-based approaches