The Pyramid Lite Compass training facilitated by educators Gitanjali Paul and Nicole Swedlow was held September 15-16 for TCS teachers, administrators, and student leaders to learn about system thinking strategies. 

Systems thinking approaches problem-solving using multiple perspectives. The training aims to teach both students and educators how to improve their systems thinking analysis through Pyramid Lite tools and learn to apply them inside the class curriculum, projects, and even personal lives. 

“Each teacher I come in contact with, is going to work with probably 3000 students over the course of their career. If we can help one teacher find a new way of educating through these sustainability workshops, I’m doing my job right,” Paul said. 

Training activities were based on the TCS mission, to build “critically conscious citizens with a sense of responsibility towards global sustainability”. Likewise, the bilingual workshop seeks to form change makers with open mindsets that have a purposeful impact. 

“Everyone in the room really worked on communicating with each other, and translating in groups was really powerful. For global sustainability, language is not a barrier,” Paul said. 

Staff was instructed in strategic thinking strategies including the use of the compass, the iceberg, identifying leverage points, trend graphs, sphere of influence and the AMOEBA activity. 

“Having the opportunity to interact with my teachers on a different level was fulfilling. It truly was the highlight of my day. Not only did I have fun, but I learned new strategies to implement into my learning,” Juliana Arango, Grade 9 GIN Student Leader, said. 

Five GIN Student Leaders were exclusively invited to participate in the professional development day. They had the opportunity to attend due to their involvement with sustainability and global citizenship.  

“Students are the real change agents. Not only because they have a different perspective, but because of their willingness to have conversations on what’s important and what’s happening. Its like their superpower, people want to listen to them,” Paul said. 

Participants described how Systems Thinking can help students and teachers become more aware, be open to conversation, and acquire a sense of social responsibility when working towards a collective goal. 

“Having the ability to think systematically helps me become more empathetic towards my students and also create better and more significant learning strategies, that target each one of their needs,” Camio Hoyos, HS Business Tech teacher and workshop participant, said.

The event went from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm. The morning was dedicated to educate on the Pyramid Lite tools, from 9:30-12:00 about Systems & Innovations, and from 1:00-3:30 Sustainable Action Planning. 

“Participating in these workshops I think it is like leaving that grain of sand that makes a difference in the world. In TCS I’m optimistic it can take off,” Paul said.