Systems thinking skills are critical for developing a sense of agency

Leyla Acaroglu, a social scientist, entrepreneur, and founder of the UnSchool of Disruptive Design, discusses why both learners and their teachers need to develop a different skillset to transform our future.

Aisha Schnellmann: What critical skills do young children need to develop for the future?

Leyla Acaroglu: In my opinion, systems thinking is a critical thinking tool we need to transform our society from one that exploits resources into one that is a regenerative force in this world. Many of today’s problems are a result of externalities and unintended consequences caused by yesterday’s solutions, with linear thinking disconnecting people from the natural systems that surround them.