A simple way to teach systems thinking—by showing it
If you teach strategy, policy, ethics, sustainability, leadership, or social science, Eye Opener gives students a fast, visual way to move beyond “right/wrong” into how ideas interact. From a single concept (e.g., Fish), it auto-builds a dialectical map that surfaces opposites, trade-offs, and constructive paths—perfect for case discussions and reflective assignments. Watch this (2 min):
Why teachers like it
- Active learning, low prep: Type a term or statement, click Generate, and discuss what appears.
- From opinions to structure: Students see both sides (benefits/risks), plus better-than-either syntheses.
- Supports critical & systems thinking: Makes interdependencies, blind spots, and second-order effects visible.
- Fits many subjects: Policy design, ESG, conflict resolution, innovation, organizational behavior, civics.
A 20-minute classroom activity (plug-and-play)
- Prompt (2 min): Start with a live question—e.g., “Speed up innovation without risking safety.”
- Generate (1 min): Enter the statement(s) in Eye Opener; project the wheel/map.
- Think-pair-share (8 min):
- Where do exaggerations appear (good ideas turned harmful)?
- Which syntheses look promising (win-win conditions)?
- Decide (6–8 min): Agree on one small, testable policy (e.g., “fast-lane releases gated by automated QA”).
- Reflect (2 min): Exit ticket—What blind spot did you notice today?
Assessment ideas (quick & authentic)
- One-page memo: “Our chosen synthesis & why.”
- Map critique: Students annotate the wheel with added evidence/sources.
- Before/after reflection: How did your view change after seeing opposites and syntheses?
Get started
- Open the app: https://app.dialexity.com
- Tip: Begin with two opposing aims (e.g., cost vs. quality, autonomy vs. control) for the clearest discussion.
Teach students to see the whole system—fast.
Eye Opener turns debate into discovery and helps classes design better, balanced solutions.