The Learning Pathway

Making a Connection
Making the “system” connection starts with discovering what you know about systems. Interestingly enough, I have found that much of our knowledge regarding systems is found in the analysis of very simple experiences. Consider these examples based on an engine rebuild:

1. An engine abides by the rules of physics.
2. An engine can be broken down into smaller pieces.
3. A piston is made of a different material than the rod.
4. The piston connects to a crankshaft via the rod.
5. The rod has to be connected to the piston before the piston is inserted into the block.
6. If the engine is assembled properly it can run.
7. Turning the key to the start position should result in a running engine.
8. Drive the car to go to work.

Even if you have not built an engine, you can probably easily relate to all of these. If you have built engines, you probably have not put much thought into any of them and don’t have to. Why? Because you instinctively know that it is just the way things are. You simply have an innate understanding of the meaning and implication. And that is the beauty and value of our experience!

The next step is to determine what these experiences tell us about systems. In short, this is accomplished by restating and replacing all of the key words with terms that reference the fundamental dynamics of a system. Of course, it also helps to know what the system is. In the above list, it’s the engine.

1. All things are governed by rules.
2. All systems consist of building block elements.
3. All building block elements have unique characteristics that define its application.
4. Building blocks join through relationships forming patterns (assemblies).
5. The right thing first leads to the next right thing first (process of putting together an assembly).
6. If the proper relationships and patterns have been formed, and if the requirements have been met, and the conditions are accounted for, it will result in a functioning system.
7. Every system supports a process in which an input initiates a series of events that result in an outcome.
8. Every system is part of a bigger system.

The result is fundamental and generic descriptions of our engine rebuild experiences. In other words, our experiences are now universal and can easily be applied to new challenges.

In review: Our experience gives us the foundation; this fundamental perspective gives us a universal connector. Now, let’s make a connection to a different type of system, a sentence:

1. Rules of grammar and punctuation.
2. A sentence is made of words. Words are made of letters.
3. Some words are nouns, others are adjectives, etc. Some letters are vowels and others are consonants.
4. Letters join to make words. Words join to make sentences.
5. The order of words determines meaning. Tim wrote a book. A book wrote Tim.
6. With proper spelling and sentence structure, a sentence will convey the intended information.
7. Joining together the meaning of each word, through reading, forms a greater meaning.
8. The sentence is a step in transferring information from the writer to the readers.
    

The "Connection" in Grid Form

Hopefully, I presented this clear enough so you can see the value of the fundamental perspective and how it used to make a connection. Keep in mind that this is a simple connection and application and only offers a hint of the value.

The maximum value is realized when it is purposefully applied to new learning challenges. Still, performing mental exercises like this and applying it to things you already know is an excellent way to develop a higher level of awareness, to reinforce your existing knowledge, and to strengthen the ability to make new connections.  

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