Reply to discussion ‘At one with systems' by D. Carmichael: why systems education is different

ABSTRACT

Carmichael’s discussion focusses on the education of Civil Engineering Systems practitioners, but any such aim requires a clear idea of the end product. There is an analogy between systems work and creativity. Do they rely on innate skill or can they be taught? I believe they can be taught, but the thinking processes needed require an approach radically different from the normal technique- and knowledge-focussed methods of most engineering teaching. A practice-focussed formality is required.

KEYWORDS:

• systems thinking
• systems education
• learning
• attitude
• civil engineering

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