Benefits

Expand your thinking to find essential solutions

The Thinking Tools Studio has been created and is curated by the Waters Center for Systems Thinking:

  • Leaders in systems thinking capacity building worldwide since 1989
  • Over 30,000 educators and hundreds of thousands of students in over 800 schools have benefited from Waters Center systems thinking work
  • Waters Center materials used in hundreds of schools, districts and organizations around the globe

Why Systems Thinking?

Systems thinking provides learners the Habits and tools to develop a deeper understanding of systems around them and move closer to achieving their highest performance. Systems thinkers have a sharpened and clarified understanding of how systems actually work. Previously confusing, disconnected snapshots of life start to make more sense when understood as interdependent patterns of change over time.

When a person develops the capacity to understand how elements interact within and between systems, and can then communicate these observations effectively, tremendous change is possible.

A huge benefit of teams utilizing systems thinking is the development of a shared language and understanding of concepts – that's because an important catalyst for change is a solid foundation among colleagues and a direction of where to go.

The Thinking Tools Studio provides this opportunity to teams and individuals, free of charge.

Systems Thinking...


Makes Thinking Visual

Organizes Thoughts

Changes Perspectives

Improves Communication

These are just some of the many benefits of systems thinking that you will find in the courses and content throughout the Thinking Tools Studio. Everyone who is a part of a system (and we all are!) can use systems thinking Habits, concepts, and tools to look for leverage points to find essential solutions. The Studio features content that can be applied to every type of role within every type of system. For example, educators often integrate systems thinking into instruction because they recognize that demonstrated understanding of dynamic systems is an integral part of educational standards.

As students better understand the complex, dynamic systems they are studying in a classroom, they can transfer that knowledge and skill to any situation or challenge. This also applies to individuals or groups within businesses, community organizations and more. The benefits of systems thinking are multifaceted and far-reaching:

Teachers
have the tools and strategies needed to create successful learning environments
Students
become more empowered & engaged with their learning
Businesses & Employers
gain a pipeline of exceptional talent ready to tackle complex challenges
Communities
thrive with citizens committed to finding equitable solutions to civic & environmental issues

Systems thinking and the work of the Waters Center has promoted deeper thinking and learning at my school. I've found that teachers can better facilitate critical and visual thinking in students, and work with multiple perspectives in an organized fashion. I've seen that students can better justify and explain content. Systems thinking not only stretches thinking, but it also simplifies it in the most beneficial way.

Bonnie Short, Principal, West Smiths Station Elementary School, Lee County Schools, Alabama

Are you ready to begin your systems thinking learning journey?