Abstract for: Teaching SD using the Delft Method: from practice to theory

The Delft Method for System Dynamics (SD) is a practice-oriented SD education book, which introduces SD to novice modellers. The e-book holds sufficient theoretical information to support autonomous self-study, but is primarily designed for introductory SD courses. The Delft method focusses on practice first before introducing the theory. The goal of this approach is to increase knowledge retention. As a consequence of this approach, students have to adopt an active learning approach supported by constructive alignment principles as they delve into systemic problem-solving. In this presentation, we will further explain the teaching philosophy behind this free, open access e-book, and how we have embedded it in SD education at TU Delft. The theoretical part of e-book follows the policy cycle (problem formulation, conceptualisation, formulation, evaluation, policy testing) and the practical part covers real-world systemic issues spanning social, technological, and environmental domains, including public health, crime, resource management, ecosystems, business models, and housing. With our e-book we hope to contribute to the discourse on system dynamics modelling education, and we see potential for further exploring the efficacy of different teaching philosophies for acquiring system dynamics modelling skills.