Human Systems Dynamics Institute

We sometimes hear teachers say that a class of students has “taken on a life of its own.” That is because groups of people live and work in complex adaptive systems.  In schools, those might be classes of students, families, the basketball squad, the third grade team, and patrons in the neighborhood. The field of human systems dynamics (HSD) draws lessons from nonlinear sciences to help practitioners understand and influence complex, dynamical interactions in organizations and groups. The concepts are grounded in nature, and they continue to emerge as we explore applications in human systems.

In spite of their application to complex and challenging fields, HSD models and methods are simple to understand and highly useful to people who want to transform educational systems. The Human Systems Dynamics Institute supports consulting, training, research, and coaching to help people understand and apply principles of HSD to their work and lives. An international network of over 300 certified professionals apply HSD in diverse fields including health care, conflict resolution, education reform, program evaluation, leadership development, organization development, and human resources.

If you and your colleagues are using NCLE resources to transform teaching and learning in schools, check out our resources. And also log on to the HSD "Discussions" tab to ask questions about "sticky issues" that you and your colleagues are facing as you work together to support your students.

For more information, see

http://www.hsdinstitute.org  and http://wiki.hsdinstitute.org/