Mental ModelsHWDSB-Rotman Integrative Thinking Project

Prepared by: Heidi SiwakAdapted from the Rotman School of Management

January 15 2014

We are constantly trying to make sense of

the world.

We do this by “modelling”.

We see this …

Rotman I-Think

But our model is this …

Rotman I-Think

We see this …

But our mental model is this …

Or this:

Or this …

Or this.

We don’t see past our first impressions.

We see things that aren’t really there.

Rotman I-Think

We make things up.

Rotman I-Think

Once we see something …

Rotman I-Think

It’s hard to unsee.

Rotman I-Think

We miss things.

Rotman I-Think

Sometimes we don’t even know where our models come from.

Rotman I-Think

We oversimplify our models.

People hold different models in their heads.

Rotman I-Think

Sometimes our models clash: Perfect Vacation

Our reactions to Model Clash:Fear and AvoidDeny/ignoreCrush opposing modelPretend there is no clash

Choose and move onGo over optionsChoose either orChoose best worst option

Rotman I-Think

Summary: To understand our world we build models in

our heads. This happens whether we want it to or not. Models are useful; they help us make sense

of limitless information. We need to be aware of our models. Our models are always wrong. We are only ever working with our current

best model.

Activity 1:

What does a doctor look like?

Neurosurgeon

Activity 3

What is your mental model of a homeless person?

Whole or small group discussion.Present models.

Homeless Person

1. http://shine.yahoo.com/work-money/dawn-loggins-homeless-abandoned-teen-heads-harvard-174300575.html

2. Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcQR21RGeVk

Activity 4: What are their models?A. B.

Activity 5: Journal Reflection

1. Think of a recent conflict you have had or seen where model clash occurred because people had different models.

2. Describe a time when you completely missed something that was obvious to others.

Science

Explore optical illusions on the computer or tablets.

Drama

Divide class into small groups.Assign each group a different way of handling model clash.Create a skit illustrating the model clash reaction.

Writing

Write a short story where a person’s first impression limits how they understand another person or a situation.

Draw

Draw a map of Canada without looking at an atlas or map.Label significant places on the map.Compare your model of Canada with others.

Music

Describe the best form of music.Create a list or mix of the top 5 songs today. Compare your model of good music with a partner or small group.

Reflection:

What do you understand now about how people see the world around them that you didn’t know or realize before?

Reflection

What is fame?What is a hero?What is joy?What is fear?What is hope?

Digital Collage

1. Select a theme or topic.2. Create a digital collage showing the many

different models one could hold of that topic.

3. (example – hockey – some see it as a fabulous game; some dismiss it as all about fighting)

DebriefIt is important that students have time to reflect on what was learned in a non-evaluative way so that they feel comfortable sharing their insights.Journal or Small Group Discussion

1. What did you learn?2. What do you understand now about how people see the world that

you didn’t realize before?3. How might a model you hold be wrong or incomplete?4. What model about the world or that someone else holds do you find

difficult to understand?