Abstract
Grounding complex-systems principles in perceptually concrete agent-based models promotes transfer of systems thinking beyond the training context (Goldstone & Wilensky, 2008).
Goldstone, R. L., & Wilensky, U. (2008). Promoting transfer by grounding complex systems principles. Journal of the Learning Sciences, 17(4), 465–516. DOI
Key findings
- Perceptual grounding: — Complex-systems rules are learned through visible agent interactions, not detached definitions.
- Transfer bridge: — Concrete simulation experiences provide hooks for recognizing similar dynamics in new domains.
Application
When students who learn predator-prey dynamics in NetLogo later recognize feedback loops in economics — Goldstone & Wilensky argue grounding enabled the cross-domain mapping — open this cite for the study behind the move.