Mental Models HWDSB-Rotman Integrative Thinking Project Prepared by: Heidi Siwak Adapted from the Rotman School of Management January

We are constantly trying to make sense of the world We are constantly trying to make sense of the world.

We do this by “modelling”.

We see this … Rotman I-Think

But our model is this … Rotman I-Think

We see this …

But our mental model is this …

Or this:

Or this …

Or this.

We don’t see past our first impressions.

We see things that aren’t really there. Rotman I-Think

We make things up. Rotman I-Think

Once we see something … Rotman I-Think

It’s hard to unsee. Rotman I-Think

We miss things.

Rotman I-Think

Sometimes we don’t even know where our models come from. Rotman I-Think

We oversimplify our models.

People hold different models in their heads. Rotman I-Think

Sometimes our models clash: Perfect Vacation

Our reactions to Model Clash: Fear and Avoid Deny/ignore Crush opposing model Pretend there is no clash Choose and move on Go over options Choose either or Choose best worst option Rotman I-Think

Summary:  To understand our world we build models in our heads.  This happens whether we want it to or not.  Models are useful; they help us make sense of limitless information.  We need to be aware of our models.  Our models are always wrong.  We are only ever working with our current best model.

Activity 1: What does a doctor look like?

Neurosurgeon

Activity 3 What is your mental model of a homeless person? Whole or small group discussion. Present models.

Homeless Person 1. teen-heads-harvard html teen-heads-harvard html 2. Video:

Activity 4: What are their models? A.B.

Activity 5: Journal Reflection 1. Think of a recent conflict you have had or seen where model clash occurred because people had different models. 2. Describe a time when you completely missed something that was obvious to others.

Science Explore optical illusions on the computer or tablets.

Drama Divide class into small groups. Assign each group a different way of handling model clash. Create a skit illustrating the model clash reaction.

Writing Write a short story where a person’s first impression limits how they understand another person or a situation.

Draw Draw a map of Canada without looking at an atlas or map. Label significant places on the map. Compare your model of Canada with others.

Music Describe the best form of music. Create a list or mix of the top 5 songs today. Compare your model of good music with a partner or small group.

Reflection: What do you understand now about how people see the world around them that you didn’t know or realize before?

Reflection What is fame? What is a hero? What is joy? What is fear? What is hope?

Digital Collage 1. Select a theme or topic. 2. Create a digital collage showing the many different models one could hold of that topic. 3. (example – hockey – some see it as a fabulous game; some dismiss it as all about fighting)

Debrief It is important that students have time to reflect on what was learned in a non- evaluative way so that they feel comfortable sharing their insights. Journal or Small Group Discussion 1. What did you learn? 2. What do you understand now about how people see the world that you didn’t realize before? 3. How might a model you hold be wrong or incomplete? 4. What model about the world or that someone else holds do you find difficult to understand?