Game-based learning: teaching systems thinking in an ict environment

Several studies highlight that the recent economic crisis is a consequence of the lack of systems thinking prevailing in our current economy. Instead of analyzing the interdependencies among processes, decisions, and companies, managers tend to tackle issues relying on individualistic approaches. The main challenge for professors comes from the difficulty of teaching students the core concepts of systems thinking and, thus, the need for cooperation. In order to facilitate the understanding of the importance of holistic approaches versus reductionist ones, we propose the implementation of game-based learning techniques. More specifically, in this paper we focus on the Beer Distribution Game, the Freddie’s Newsstand Exercise, and negotiation games. All of them represent systems where problems arise when there is a lack of systems thinking. After students notice the emergence of inefficiencies when they take an individualistic approach to decision-making, they are told to play the same game once again with a systemic methodology. In this way, they are able to realize that holism clearly outperforms reductionism. Contrary to traditional practices where face-to-face prevails, these games have been developed in ICT environments, where instructors can provide immediate feedback to students in order to enrich discussions. Our experience shows that the experimental nature of these games has proven to be very effective in helping students understand the causal relationships between decision-making and the returns obtained.Ayuda predoctoral Severo Ochoa. Ref. BP13011