Module 7: Synthesis

Abstract

In this final module, participants are asked to submit a comprehensive self-reflection that encapsulates their learning experience. This reflection exercise is designed to demonstrate the participants' deep understanding of systems thinking and resilience, underpinned by evidence-based research and diverse, creative expressions of their insights.

Objective

The learning goals are to summarize and reflect on what was learned from the last modules, relate them to each other, and integrate them with the development of the personal Quest project. The methods taught, navigation techniques, and cultures will be reflected upon and tied to the specific needs for advancing the Quests and developing the CAS deliverable. The role and application of AI are also among the specific learning goals in this module. The module is designed to empower participants to integrate their knowledge of systems thinking, resilience, and circularity in practical ways. Participants are encouraged to discuss holistic and transformative approaches to navigate and intervene in complex systems, using their network analysis, resilience strategies, and systems modeling knowledge. The objective extends to cultivating the capacity to express this understanding in diverse formats, from academic writing to visual and designerly expressions, ensuring that participants can communicate their insights effectively across different mediums. This includes a strong emphasis on evidence-based approaches underpinned by peer-reviewed literature. The self-reflection of their Quests in textual and graphical form aims to assess the participants' ability to independently finalize and articulate their comprehensive learning journey, demonstrating a deep integration of the course content and personal insights into systems and resilience. The learning objective assessment starts with the preceding MOOC and its final multiple-choice quiz. To pass the MOOC, 70 percent of the questions must be answered correctly across all modules. During the CAS, active attendance in the live sessions with experts is required for each module. In addition, the Quest’s progress is monitored continuously in the peer-learning process and through individual discussions with the lecturers. Students are asked to contribute at least once per week during the course to the DRRS virtual community on Mighty Networks with internal-public sharing, commenting, or liking. The final learning and progress assessment step is submitting a Quest delivery, which - through all three DRRS CAS’ - builds the base for the Master design thesis, for those taking the full MAS in Regenerative Systems programme.

Content

This closing CAS module is about bringing the previous modules into a systemic context with the individual students’ Quest projects. This includes recapping the content of the other modules and synthesizing the learnings through systems mapping and visual dialogues. We develop specific module summaries in relation to the DRRS programme and the specific Quest contexts. The CAS deliverables process has started, and we begin to mentor peer processes and individual work.

Resources