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Within the contemporary system of acquiring expertise in teaching,
we, university faculty, try to support students developing
a view and an understanding of our planet as a single, integrated
dynamic system governed by complex processes.This
understanding is of fundamental importance to comprehend how
global change affects local areas; how local changes integrate
in a global context; and how to manage Earth's precious natural
resources.
Understanding Causality in Complex Systems
It
is in this context that I am currently working on a theoretical
framework for studying and analyzing:
1) How we come to understand complexity, and mechanisms underlying processes such self-organization, adaptation, emergence,
2) What role the concept of causality plays in the context of understanding complex system
3) Define indicators to help Earth Science faculty assess students’ approach to complexity and understanding of Earth System Science
Utilizing Complex Systems framework to Understand:
a) the complex interactions between doctor and patient and; b) how construction of meaning emerge in context and by the complex interactions of a person with: 1) the natural world he/she studies, 2) with students and teachers in a classroom context of learning.
Understanding Complex Systems in the Environment We Live in
With Dr. Kevin Foster from the Economic Department at CCNY and Anasa Scott of Greenproofing I am working on very exciting interdisciplinary projects to
1) Understand the effect of the Green Roofs on local climate
2) Develop environmentally-conscious scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs of the future
3) Engage local community residents and stakeholders by creating jobs and wealth in the sustainable production industry.
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When asked what he valued
in his own work, Samuel Backett replied:
"What I don't understand"
(Adam Higgins)
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SYSTEMS
SCIENCE EDUCATION RESEARCH
Raia
F., Causality in Complex
Dynamic Systems: A Challenge in Earth Systems Science Education.Journal of Geoscience Education, 56, 81-94, 2008. Article
Raia F. and Steinberg R. N. Understanding causality in complex dynamic systems. AAPT meeting. Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, July 26-27, 2006.
Raia F., Steinberg R. N. Making sense of how students make sense of causality, National Summer Conference and Academy Integrating Science and Mathematics Education Research into Teaching, Orono, Maine June 25-30, 2006.
Mack Q., Raia F., and Steinberg R.N. Are students understanding science or memorizing pieces of information?" AAPT meeting, Anchorage, January 23, 2006
Gonzalez-Rubio R., Raia F., and Steinberg R. N. Exploring Student Understanding of Newton's Third Law. Einstein in the City Conference Proceedings CCNY, April 11-12, 2005.
Raia
F. Students' understanding of complex dynamic systems.
Journal of Geoscience Education. 5 53, 297-309, 2005. Article. 
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