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Mental Modeler was created to help people collaborate to develop simple, dynamic systems. It can also be used to run scenarios in the same way we use our internal mental models to make predictions all of the time. This tool has previously been used by people representing their own understanding of an issue or system. Here, we use Mental Modeler to encourage learners to put themselves in the “mental shoes” and represent other people's understanding of complex issues.

Case Studies

To promote systems thinking and perspective-taking, we use a series of case studies throughout the course of the semester that are tailored to individual classes. In these assignments, students read two opposing perspectives on complex issues, make visual representations of the mental models of the perspectives, and write a short reflection describing each perspective. They are then asked to think about their own understanding.

There are many different ways of building case studies; they can emphasize moral values, fact-based evidence, explanations for how the system operates, or some combination of these things. We don’t know yet what impact emphasizing these different kinds of information has on learners.

We have two versions of the assignment, one which uses both moral and fact-based arguments, and one based on the primary feedback loop in the system. Our assignments ask students to build models from two conflicting points of view. We have also varied whether students build a model from their own perspective at the end.

Online Dating

 More than half of people in the US 18-29 have used online dating apps. Some students, having been hurt by or having found love on a dating app may have strong feelings about online dating. There are two evidence backed sides to whether online dating in search of a long-term partner is good for wellbeing. Therefore, it makes an excellent case study.

Price gouging

During the COVID-19 pandemic, prices for some necessary goods skyrocketed. Students have strong reactions about these price increases, but there are also strong arguments in favor of allowing prices to regulate access to scarce resources. This assignment helps students look at this economic quandary more objectively.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and sentencing

Socio-scientific issues deal with gray areas. One such area surrounds health diagnoses and sentencing. There are many reasons people with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) may be more likely to commit violent crime and not understand the consequences. This case study explores whether people with FAS people deserve special treatment under the law.

Resurrection ecology

Humans have contributed to the extinction of many species on Earth. This case study explores the consequences of reviving (or not reviving) such species, as well as whether there is a moral imperative. Major considerations in this debate include whether the species would be able to thrive and how this research would be funded.

Social media use in children

80% of people 13-18 have a social media account, with meaningful (if lower) rates for younger children. Social media has well-documented negative effects on mental wellbeing, especially for children. However, there are also arguments in favor of social media, as it can connect young people with communities they otherwise wouldn’t have access to. This case study explores these trade-offs.

Genetically modified crops

Many people have an innate distaste for things with “genetically modified” in the name. Although the science for genetically modified crops is overwhelmingly positive, students often do not accept this evidence. There are also some evidence based arguments against the use of GMOs, and this case study explores arguments on both sides.