Centre National d’Innovations Pédagogiques et

d’Expérimentation

Coordination d’Anglais

Cahier de Colle

Classes de la 1ère Année

1 MPSI

Année scolaire 2021 – 2022

Full Name : ………………………………………………………………………..…….. Class : ………………………. N° : ………

Professeur: M. Tarik Boussetta

What is Systems Thinking?

Systems thinking is a holistic way to investigate factors and interactions that could contribute to a possible outcome.
A mindset more than a prescribed practice, systems thinking provides an understanding of how individuals can work
together in different types of teams and through that understanding, create the best possible processes to accomplish
just about anything.

There are systems all around us, if we know where to look.

A family unit is one system, while the community in which we live is another. That community is part of a bigger
system of a county or city. All parts of a university make up different systems within the whole. Financial aid, the
classroom and the library make up different systems.

By learning to view the world as a series of systems, and by understanding our part within them, we can begin to
make better decisions, be better teammates and find infinite ways to be more productive in all areas of our lives.

In short, ―systems thinking is about investigating what set of factors and interactions are contributing to or could
contribute to a possible outcome,‖ said Steve Brown, deputy director of collaborative learning and strategic insight
at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).

―Systems thinking is useful in helping teams become more aware of how they‘re interacting with each other and
within the team, and it helps them understand the outcomes they‘re producing,‖ Brown said.

There is a wide application for thinking in this type of holistic way. Christina Dumeng, associate dean of business
programs, said, ―Thinking about the impact of any system as it relates to decision making is important in
understanding the broader scope of how all of the pieces in your organization connect.‖

Systems thinking is a great tool to remind us to always consider the bigger picture, according to Brown. While it's
easy to see how to take things apart, it can be much more challenging to understand how the individual parts interact
to make up the big picture.

Before sitting down on your own or with a team to devise a project, make a change, or solve a problem, consider the
different systems your ideas could impact.

―Applying a systems thinking mindset can help provide clarity for all of the different factors that impact results,"
Brown said. "This type of thinking also helps you identify potential problem areas and provide you with a sense of
perspective."

Holistic thinking is a key characteristic of systems thinking. ―Consider the whole over the parts,‖ Dumeng said.
―Study the patterns of behavior that you might see, and think holistically about your project to ensure you‘re making
the best decisions that you can.‖ Consider all possible stakeholders who might have insight or who might be
affected, positively or negatively, by your proposed change.

Another key characteristic of systems thinking is the willingness to ask the right questions. Brown suggests starting
by naming the problem, and then considering the factors that might be impacting the problem. Throughout the
inquiry, try to be disciplined in determining the answers. A willingness to ask the right questions and consider all
possible answers, as well as taking the time to experiment to find the answers rather than guess at the answers
ourselves, is key.

The world is complex, so our thinking should be complex as well. By making it a habit to consider and reconsider
how our own role might be connected to others, we can mitigate impact and work together to create better solutions.

―If you just try to fix a problem by focusing on the part that needs fixing and not considering how that part got
broken in the first place," said Brown, "or how the fix may impact others, you risk either getting a new problem, or
you get the same problem again later.‖

Adapted from https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/business/what-is-systems-thinking

Essential Digital Literacy Skills for the 21st Century Worker

Many experts tell us that modern workers must acquire these 21st-century skills: creativity, critical thinking,
collaboration, communication, information, media, and technology. However, today we know that skills are not enough
to survive in the digital era. What is also needed is digital literacy.

Digital literacy is the set of competencies required for full participation in a knowledge society. It includes knowledge,
skills, and behaviors involving the effective use of digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktop PCs
for purposes of communication, expression, collaboration, and advocacy.

One of leading researchers in Digital Literacy, Professor Yoram Eshet, published a key paper Digital Literacy: A
Conceptual Framework for Survival Skills in the Digital Era. In this paper, Eshet says:

"Digital literacy involves more than the mere ability to use software or operate a digital device; it includes a large variety
of complex cognitive, motor, sociological, and emotional skills, which users need in order to function effectively in
digital environments. The tasks required in this context include, for example, ―reading‖ instructions from graphical
displays in user interfaces; using digital reproduction to create new, meaningful materials from existing ones; constructing
knowledge from a non-linear, hypertextual navigation; evaluating the quality and validity of information; and have a
mature and realistic understanding of the ―rules‖ that prevail in the cyberspace."

This paper describes the digital literacies, which are needed in order to survive and be productive in the digital era.

PHOTO-VISUAL LITERACY

The article suggests that in working with graphic user interfaces, users employ a unique form of digital literacy—photo-
visual literacy—that helps them to ―read‖ intuitively and freely, and to understand the instructions and messages
represented visually. People with photo-visual literacy have good visual memory and strong intuitive-associative thinking,
which help them decode and understand visual messages easily and fluently.

INFORMATION LITERACY

The ability to know when there is a need for information, to be able to identify, locate, evaluate, and effectively use that
information for the issue or problem at hand." Eshet emphasizes the need for skepticism in order to develop this literacy.

SOCIO-EMOTIONAL LITERACY

Socially-literate users of the cyberspace know how to avoid ―traps‖ as well as derive benefits from the advantages of
digital communication. These users have a relatively new type of digital literacy, which is referred to in the article as
socio-emotional literacy because it involves mainly sociological and emotional aspects of work in cyberspace.

REPRODUCTION LITERACY

Digital reproduction literacy is the ability to create a meaningful, authentic, and creative work or interpretation, by
integrating existing independent pieces of information (Gilster, 1997; Labbo, Reinking, & McKenna, 1998).
Reproduction literate scholars usually possess a good multi-dimensional synthetic thinking, which helps them create
meaningful new combinations from existing information.

BRANCHING LITERACY

Modern hypermedia technology has presented computer users with new challenges of digital literacy (Gilster, 1997). It
enabled scholars to move away from the relatively linear data searches in traditional digital libraries and databases, to
knowledge construction from information that was accessed in a non-linear manner.

https://elearninginfographics.com/digital-literacy-skills-21st-century-worker-infographic/
Doc. 3
HOW FIXED VS GROWTH MINDSET SHAPES OUR LIVES

Ieshaan Puri
August 2, 2021

What is it that separates achievers from quitters? Is there a certain skill or trait that most successful people have in
common? It turns out, there just might be. According to Dr Carol Dweck, there are two mindsets we can navigate
life with —growth and fixed. The term mindset is defined as an established set of attitudes held by individuals that
help guide their behaviour.

One‘s mindset is rooted in their experiences, education, interactions, and culture from which one form thoughts that
establish their beliefs and attitudes. Those thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes lead to certain actions and with those
actions, they have experiences, and those experiences shape their mindset. It is an indisputable fact that humans
evolve with age. Therefore, one‘s mindset can alter.

According to science, our brain can be reshaped over time, forming new neural pathways. These neural pathways are
developed by doing or thinking particular things. The things that we do or say more often become hard-wired into
our brains as habits. These habits can be defined ‗routes‘ in our brain, which become easier to use. But you can still
change them. The first step is to realise that you need to, and then train your brain in the new skill.

An individual with a fixed mindset leads to a desire to look smart and therefore, a tendency to avoid challenges.
Consequently, they are unable to achieve their full potential. In an educational environment, individuals with a fixed
mindset think that learning and intelligence have limitations, and they cannot grow as students. On the other hand,
an individual with a growth mindset leads to a desire to learn and a resultant tendency to see efforts as the path to
mastery. In an educational environment, individuals with a growth mindset think that learning and intelligence are
limitless; with hard work, one can acquire skills and learn, and as a result, change their levels of intelligence. Those
with a growth mindset are less concerned about their perception, and more focused upon learning. In other words,
they yearn to learn. According to Dr Dweck, what makes a growth mindset so winsome is that it creates a passion
for learning rather than a hunger for approval. Persons with this mindset are afraid of but not discouraged by
failure.

Nobody ‗purely‘ holds a fixed or growth mindset. More often than not, human beings are born with a desire to self-
actualise. In an attempt to do so, we adopt a strategy, form a mindset, learn about our surroundings, etc. Sometimes,
we are successful, at other times, not there yet. People with a fixed mindset will join their hands, and resign whereas
people with a growth mindset will try again. With their second attempt, they will adopt a different strategy and try to
hold onto hope. In other words, a skill is something you can cultivate. You can become more creative, more athletic,
and even successful by focusing on the process, and not the outcome. It‘s the process that is the prize.

Over the years, my mindset has developed from fixed to growth. As a child, I believed in my abilities only to an
extent. If I performed poorly in school, I would disregard the comments made by the teacher or my parents. If I did
not score a goal or make an assist in a football game, I would begin to see my efforts as worthless. Only
compliments directed towards me or my achievements could get a smile on my face.

All this changed when I saw a film called Shawshank Redemption. A quote from the film, ―I guess it comes down to
a simple choice, really. Get busy living or get busy dying‖ changed my way of thinking. With a fixed mindset, I
would not be open to new avenues, instead, be fearful. The film taught me that it is important to go out, find your
passion, and be bold. Most importantly, always hold on to hope.

Over the past year, I set a few short and long term goals: reading a book a month, widening my social circle, and
speaking to my teachers to understand where I faltered. We overestimate the importance of a single event and
underestimate the importance of making better choices daily. However, it is vital to remember that nobody can
develop a mindset overnight. It‘s a course of gradual progression. A stimulus must be evoked externally. It is natural
to weigh your strengths and weaknesses, doubt your abilities, but what matters the most is your interpretations and
the following actions.

An individual‘s true potential is unknown and unmeasurable. Moreover, it‘s impossible to forecast what can be
accomplished with years of passion, toil, and training. We are a blend of the two mindsets with one more raised than
the other. I say this because as we grow older, we experience more things. Both mindsets are two distinct worlds: In
one world, the world of fixed traits — success is about proving you‘re smart or talented, validating yourself. In the
other — the world of changing qualities — it‘s about stretching yourself to learn something new, developing
yourself. It‘s not always about winning or losing, succeeding or failing, loving or hating — nothing is good or bad
forever. But, how you emerge out of a crisis or a moment of praise without getting ahead of yourself? It‘s the
mindset you endorse.

Today, we are living in a world that is progressing rapidly. Each one of us is grappling with new information,
concerns, and so much more. We are constantly receiving approval and rejection. To infiltrate feedbackand act
appropriately, being self-aware is vital. Unless, you develop a mindset and believe in it wholeheartedly, your
mindset will influence your decisions. Life is a journey filled with highs and lows. Self-motivation is the key and a
well-trained mind will help you. A mindset is an interpretative process that teaches us about our surroundings so we
must learn to adapt with change and continue to develop our mindset.

The significance of having a growth mindset is more important now than ever before. When the coronavirus
pandemic hit in early 2020, even the best of us were lost on how to combat it. The healthcare industry rose to the
challenge, armed with a growth mindset, and developed successful vaccines to inhibit its life-threatening
consequences. As children, we did not know what a mindset was, however, we were forming one unconsciously.
But, as we grow older and become aware of the term and its significance, we must allow ourselves to live and act
consciously by deliberately cultivating a growth mindset.

https://thedailyguardian.com/how-fixed-vs-growth-mindset-shapes-our-lives/
Doc. 4
How to remain employable in the 21st century

Dr Paul Redmond
July 9, 2018

Today‘s graduates are entering a buoyant jobs market, but they face ever-greater competition from their peers.

Several important trends are shaping the experiences of graduate job seekers: automation; the growing importance of
online interviews and presentations; a shift in focus to personal attributes and work experience; and the interplay of
contacts and personal ―capital‖.

I think many people have underestimated just how quickly recruitment is changing. Employment across numerous sectors
is being automated, and this applies to the recruitment process too, where there has been a significant increase in the use
of artificial intelligence (AI).

Many of the leading graduate recruiters now record video of applicants responding to gamified interview questions. These
can then be assessed by a computer running a complex algorithm.

So it‘s important for students that they spruce up their presentation skills – which differ according to whether an interview
takes place in person or online. Looking at the camera during a video call – instead of at the interviewer‘s face – creates a
much better impression, for example.

What else makes a graduate more employable? With companies looking for candidates who can show they are
―passionate‖, ―enthusiastic‖ and ―committed‖, it‘s important to demonstrate behavioural characteristics that match their
wishlists.

I‘ve been doing some research into ―zombie‖ jobs – jobs that still exist but, because of automation, AI and robotics, are in
the process of changing, and are becoming gradually dehumanised. If you look at the financial services sector, for
example, change is occurring rapidly, with AI taking over areas that were once reserved for specialists. Employers are
still recruiting lots of graduates but they are prioritising communication skills and the ability to work effectively with
others. They want their graduates to project an image of the organisation.

To help our students remain employable into the 21st century, we are developing the concept of ICE – Innovation,
Creativity and Enterprise. We think that graduates who focus on these core areas will remain employable, regardless of
the onset of AI, but they will need to be able to point to examples of how they have used these skills in an interview.

That can be hard for a 21-year-old, who may not have had a great deal of experience. Which is why it is so important to
get as much work experience as possible while at university, or on a gap year.

The other component that will prove invaluable for graduates seeking to land a good job is contacts. Parents may be able
to offer some assistance here, through associations they have made during their careers, but graduates should take control
of this area themselves. Having a broad and diverse set of professional contacts on LinkedIn could even help the jobs
come to you.

Your university careers service should be able to help you make contacts and give you an insight into how you can best
market your skills and ambitions.

No one should graduate from university without a great LinkedIn profile and a wide network of contacts.

https://www.theguardian.com/education/2018/jul/09/how-remain-employable-21st-century-graduates
Doc. 5
Four ways to build resilience at work

Hannah Morton-Hedges
Tue 21 Mar 2017

Resilience has become a career buzzword for good reason. The death of a job-for-life means more people will deal with
workplace setbacks and challenges at some stage in their careers. But resilience isn‘t just about coping with redundancy –
it‘s a vital tool for many aspects of our working lives; from tackling a competitive job market, to overcoming workplace
politics, or knowing how to respond when promotions pass us by.

While we know that career success can be largely defined by hard work and luck, the ability to work through adversity
should never be underestimated. It‘s easy to dismiss resilience as something you‘re either born with or without. But it can
be built with a few simple techniques. Here‘s how:

Set yourself career goals

Setting personal goals can help create a sense of achievement when you meet them. These goals don‘t need to be far out
of reach, however; smaller and more achievable targets can help us experience success, which in turn creates a positive
mindset that builds mental resilience. For example, if getting a new job is the ultimate goal then breaking that down into
smaller targets, such as re-writing your CV, approaching new recruiters, or scheduling a chat with a mentor can help you
feel you‘re moving in the right direction. Get into the habit of reviewing each working week against your goals.

Understand what’s realistic

The everyone‘s a winner culture taught in schools may help boost self-esteem in the short term, but it doesn‘t prepare us
for the often harsh realities of what lies ahead.

When we are feeling run down, negativity is more likely to creep in

The competitive graduate job market, for example, can be a huge shock to high-flying students who have previously
experienced few barriers to success. It‘s often the first time they have to face rejection. Learning not to take rejection
personally is paramount and finding a way to grow and develop from these experiences helps you strive onwards. Sharing
your experiences with others who have been through – or are experiencing – something similar will help you gain realistic
expectations.

Learn to give and receive support

When adversity strikes at work, the people around us are often best placed to help, through emotional support or practical
advice. But colleagues will be more likely to do this when you have been supportive and cooperative with them. Having
the confidence to ask colleagues for help is much easier when you have forged a close network and shown yourself to be
a team player.

Look after your health

Coping with difficult times at work is much easier to do when both your body and mind are fit and healthy. When we feel
run down, negativity is more likely to creep in, making it harder to overcome. Eating well, exercising regularly and
getting enough sleep are essential first steps. Making sure you take regular breaks at work and create clear work-life
boundaries also helps.

https://www.theguardian.com/careers/2017/mar/21/how-to-build-resilience-work