An exploratory study of the impact of systems thinking on physical education student teachers

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature of an electronic mindtool (Jonassen, 1996) in teaching physical education student teachers to think. A comment on the historical roots of knowledge instruction and knowledge construction (Ammentorp, 1996) will be followed by an explanation of systems thinking (Richmond, 1994). Experimental units of instruction using systems thinking software were established in the computer applications and sport management information systems modules in the School of Physical Education. Results suggested that systems thinking provoked deeper levels of understanding of the problem of fitness development in Singapore schools, increased curiosity about the subject, significantly greater research work and appeared more enjoyable than traditional methods of problem solving.