mental models
DESCRIPTION
Mental Models. HWDSB- Rotman Integrative Thinking Project Prepared by: Heidi Siwak Adapted from the Rotman School of Management January 15 2014. We are constantly trying to make sense of the world . We do this by “modelling”. We see this … . Rotman I-Think. But our model is this …. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Mental ModelsHWDSB-Rotman Integrative Thinking Project
Prepared by: Heidi SiwakAdapted from the Rotman School of Management
January 15 2014
We are constantly trying to make sense of
the world.
We do this by “modelling”.
We see this …
Rotman I-Think
But our model is this …
Rotman I-Think
We see this …
But our mental model is this …
Or this:
Or this …
Or this.
We don’t see past our first impressions.
We see things that aren’t really there.
Rotman I-Think
We make things up.
Rotman I-Think
Once we see something …
Rotman I-Think
It’s hard to unsee.
Rotman I-Think
We miss things.
Rotman I-Think
Sometimes we don’t even know where our models come from.
Rotman I-Think
We oversimplify our models.
People hold different models in their heads.
Rotman I-Think
Sometimes our models clash: Perfect Vacation
Our reactions to Model Clash:Fear and AvoidDeny/ignoreCrush opposing modelPretend there is no clash
Choose and move onGo over optionsChoose either orChoose best worst option
Rotman I-Think
Summary: To understand our world we build models in
our heads. This happens whether we want it to or not. Models are useful; they help us make sense
of limitless information. We need to be aware of our models. Our models are always wrong. We are only ever working with our current
best model.
Activity 1:
What does a doctor look like?
Neurosurgeon
Activity 3
What is your mental model of a homeless person?
Whole or small group discussion.Present models.
Homeless Person
1. http://shine.yahoo.com/work-money/dawn-loggins-homeless-abandoned-teen-heads-harvard-174300575.html
2. Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcQR21RGeVk
Activity 4: What are their models?A. B.
Activity 5: Journal Reflection
1. Think of a recent conflict you have had or seen where model clash occurred because people had different models.
2. Describe a time when you completely missed something that was obvious to others.
Science
Explore optical illusions on the computer or tablets.
Drama
Divide class into small groups.Assign each group a different way of handling model clash.Create a skit illustrating the model clash reaction.
Writing
Write a short story where a person’s first impression limits how they understand another person or a situation.
Draw
Draw a map of Canada without looking at an atlas or map.Label significant places on the map.Compare your model of Canada with others.
Music
Describe the best form of music.Create a list or mix of the top 5 songs today. Compare your model of good music with a partner or small group.
Reflection:
What do you understand now about how people see the world around them that you didn’t know or realize before?
Reflection
What is fame?What is a hero?What is joy?What is fear?What is hope?
Digital Collage
1. Select a theme or topic.2. Create a digital collage showing the many
different models one could hold of that topic.
3. (example – hockey – some see it as a fabulous game; some dismiss it as all about fighting)
DebriefIt is important that students have time to reflect on what was learned in a non-evaluative way so that they feel comfortable sharing their insights.Journal or Small Group Discussion
1. What did you learn?2. What do you understand now about how people see the world that
you didn’t realize before?3. How might a model you hold be wrong or incomplete?4. What model about the world or that someone else holds do you find
difficult to understand?