This book looks at the current approach to education and makes recommendations for incorporating different skill sets into the classroom. Goleman focuses on Social Emotional Learning (SEL). He says that if educators teach focusing on ourselves (self awareness) and tuning into other people (empathy) teachers will have different outcomes in the classroom. He makes the point that these are valuable skills that will help students have academic success. He mentions that, "these are particular skills that are being challenged today by technology." Peter Sange discusses systems awareness (understanding the larger world)and the complexities that go along with interacting with systems. Together, they discuss the benefits of merging SEL and systems thinking.
When I saw "systems level thinking" I was hesitant to read about another method to bring into the classroom. However, the book is interesting and easy to read. These are skills that students seem to be lacking these days and understanding oneself and relationships with others will drive student behavior, which impacts academic success. This seems like such a basic concept that has gotten buried underneath technology and standardized assessments. Recommended for any educators. ( )