Systematicity: being orderly, organized, focused and diligent in inquiry.

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Seven dispositions are listed by (Walker, 2013, pp.264), inquisitiveness, open-mindedness, systematicity, analyticity, truth-seeking, self-confidence, and maturity. The theory proposed is that in order to successfully develop critical thinking, an individual must possess and use these characteristics. Else the student may have challenges exhibiting critical thought.

My milieu is a group of middle school students in an IGCSE math classroom. The school has PYP and IBDP programs for primary and senior school. The students come from the freedom of PYP into the structure of IGCSE math. This is an inclusive classroom of adolescents. This is the time when their brain is going through rapid changes (KhanAcademyMedicine, 2015) with a growth in prefrontal cortex and synaptic pruning.

Systematicity

I find ‘Systematicity’ hardest for my students. (Walker, 2013, pp.264) defines ‘Systematicity’ as being orderly, organized, focused and diligent in inquiry. While analyses help in solving a problem, open mindedness helps in approaching a problem, but being systematic helps working out the solutions in an organized, neat and diligent manner. It requires grit and focus (Nelson, 2020). My kids are hyper and restless and having them focus on the tasks at hand is hard.

To tackle this, I use two strategies:

  1. Byte size information: In explaining how to solve a problem, I go 1 step at a time giving them information in byte size. I do the same when expressing meaning of a concept. For example, in adding fractions with different denominators, (step 1) find LCM of denominators, (step 2) change fractions to equivalent fractions with same denominators, (step 3) add the numerators and (finally) write the final answer.
  2. A written task sheet to direct their focus in a group set up. In any group activity, I give the students a task sheet with (a) instructions, (b) rubric and (c) resources. Then I give them ample time to read, discuss and clarify their questions in the group before beginning to work.

References

●        KhanAcademyMedicine (2015). Brain changes during adolescence. [Video file]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Fa8U6BkhNo

●        Nelson, K. (2020, August 22). Analyticity and systematicity students of mathematics education on solving non-routine Problems. Mathematics and Statistics. Retrieved March 6, 2022, from https://www.academia.edu/43919666/Analyticity_and_Systematicity_Students_of_Mathematics_Education_on_Solving_Non_routine_Problems

●        Walker, S. E. (2003). Active learning strategies to promote critical thinking. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/b68a/a3bde182f829774c4926f8ea724cf56fd633.pdf

 

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