List of CRL's Educational Resources

A collection of Cabrera Research Lab's Educational Publications and Resources

Highlights:

ThinkBlocks: An Educational Tool invented by Dr. Derek Cabrera to make Systems Thinking/DSRP Mapping 3D and tactile

CortexMan: An Educational Icon.

ThinkQuiry: An Educational Tool developed by Drs. Cabrera to ask better, more systemic questions

RE:Thinking. A Full length educational documentary film by Deborah Hoard on the Cabrera's work. Produced by Photosynthesis Productions.
Plectica Software: An Educational Tool for DSRP mapping invented by Dr. Derek Cabrera to make Systems Thinking/DSRP Mapping 2D, visual, and collaborative.
A Stepwise Guide to Systems Mapping
A Stepwise Guide to Map Activate Check (MAC)
Online Courses for Teachers and Students
Jigs: Powerful mini-skills in Systems Thinking
Sliders: Powerful mini-skills in emotional intelligence and prosocial behavior
Map Activate Check: A powerful model for designing learning

Notable Papers: 

  1. Cabrera, Derek & Cabrera, Laura. (2019). Complexity and Systems Thinking Models in Education: Applications for Leaders. 10.1007/978-3-319-17727-4_101-1.
  2. Cabrera D., Cabrera L. (2019) What Is Systems Thinking?. In: Spector M., Lockee B., Childress M. (eds) Learning, Design, and Technology. Springer, Cham
    https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-17727-4_100-1

Books:

  1. Cabrera, D., & Cabrera, L. (2011) Thinking at Every Desk: Four Simple Skills to Transform Your Classroom. Norton Books in Education.
  2. Cabrera, D., & Cabrera, L. (2007) Journey to Planet Knowledge. ThinkWorks Press.
  3. Cabrera, D. & Cabrera, L. (2015) Systems Thinking Made Simple: New Hope for Solving Wicked Problems in a Complex World. Odyssean Press. Ithaca, NY. (Winner of the 2017 AECT Systems Thinking and Change Division Outstanding Book Award).
  4. Cabrera, D. & Cabrera, L. (2018) Flock Not Clock: Design, Align, and Lead to Achieve Your Vision. Plectica Publications. Ithaca, NY. (Great for School Leaders). 

Videos\Podcasts:

  1. Cabrera, D., & Cabrera, L. (2021). Systems Thinking for Kids [Podcast]. Systems Thinking Schools. 
  2. Hoard, D. (2017) RE:Thinking. Produced by Photosynthesis Productions.
  3. Cabrera, D., et. al. (2015) “Systems Thinking:A Little Film About a Big Idea” Produced by Photosynthesis Productions.
  4. Cabrera, D., et. al. (2014) “Count Me In” (featuring Dynamic Inkline, Jewel & Eric Walker). Music single. Adapted from original spoken word by Derek Cabrera. Produced by Photosynthesis Productions.
  5. Cabrera, D., et. al. (2014) “Count Me In.” Produced by Photosynthesis Productions.
  6. Cabrera, D., et. al. (2014) “Old School, New School.” Produced by Photosynthesis Productions.
  7. Cabrera, D. (2013) “The 22nd Century Mind: Dr. Derek Cabrera” TED Talk.
  8. Cabrera, L. (2012) “Notes From the Field: Dr. Laura Cabrera” TED Talk.
  9. Cabrera, D. (2011) “How Thinking Works—Dr. Derek Cabrera” TED Talk.
  10. Cabrera, D., et. al. (2006-2014) “Case Studies in DSRP.” 
  11. Cabrera, D., et. al. (2006-2014) “ThinkBlock Case Studies.” 

Articles: 

  1. Cabrera, Derek & Cabrera, Laura. (2019). Complexity and Systems Thinking Models in Education: Applications for Leaders. 10.1007/978-3-319-17727-4_101-1.
  2. Cabrera D., Cabrera L. (2019) What Is Systems Thinking?. In: Spector M., Lockee B., Childress M. (eds) Learning, Design, and Technology. Springer, Cham
    https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-17727-4_100-1
  3. Ferlazzo, L. (November 7, 2014). “Getting What You Pay For in Teacher Evaluations.” Education Week. Guest Author, Cabrera, D.
  4. Ferlazzo, L. (November 7, 2014). “The Secret Sauce of Formative Assessment.” Education Week. Guest Author, Cabrera, L.  
  5. Cabrera, D., & Cabrera, L. (2010) “The World At Our Fingertips: The Sense of Touch Helps Children to Ground Abstract Ideas in Concrete Experiences.” Scientific American Mind Volume 21, No. 4, September/October 2010, p36-41.
  6. Cabrera, D., & Cabrera, L. (2009) “The Library is the Place: Knowledge and Thinking, Thinking and Knowledge.” Teacher Librarian 36, no. 5 June.
  7. Cabrera, D. and Cabrera, L. (2021) Developing Personal Mastery of Systems Thinking. In, Routledge Handbook of Systems Thinking, (Eds) Cabrera, D., Cabrera, L. and Midgley, G. Routledge. London, UK. 
  8. Cabrera, L., Sokolow, J., and Cabrera, D. (2021) Developing and Validating a Measurement of Systems Thinking: The Systems Thinking and Metacognitive Inventory (STMI). In, Routledge Handbook of Systems Thinking, (Eds) Cabrera, D., Cabrera, L. and Midgley, G. Routledge. London, UK.
  9. Cabrera, D., and Cabrera, L. (2013) “Systems Thinking and Metacognitive Inventory (STMI): A Validated, Edumetric Test of Systems Thinking and Metacognitive Skills.” Cabrera Research Lab.
  10. Cabrera, D., Cabrera, L. and Midgley, G. (2021) The Four Waves of Systems Thinking. In, Routledge Handbook of Systems Thinking, (Eds) Cabrera, D., Cabrera, L. and Midgley, G. Routledge. London, UK.
  11. Cabrera, D., Cabrera, L., and Cabrera, E. (2021) A Literature Review of the Universal and Atomic Elements of Complex Cognition. In, Routledge Handbook of Systems Thinking, (Eds) Cabrera, D., Cabrera, L. and Midgley, G. Routledge. London, UK.
  12. Lucio-Maymon, P., Castellanos-Canales, A., Cabrera, L. and Cabrera, D. (2021) The Universal Cognitive Grammar of Systems Mapping: A Rubric to Evaluate the Various Tools and Techniques of Systems Mapping. In, Routledge Handbook of Systems Thinking, (Eds) Cabrera, D., Cabrera, L. and Midgley, G. Routledge. London, UK.
  13. Mulyono Oktavia, Y., Cabrera, E., Sukhbaatar, U., Cabrera, L., Cabrera, D. (2021) A Systemic Lens on the Modal Model of the Mind. In, Routledge Handbook of Systems Thinking, (Eds) Cabrera, D., Cabrera, L. and Midgley, G. Routledge. London, UK. 
  14. Kushner, J., Cabrera, L. and Cabrera, D. (2021) Systems Evaluation: Applying Systems Thinking to Evaluation. In, Routledge Handbook of Systems Thinking, (Eds) Cabrera, D., Cabrera, L. and Midgley, G. Routledge. London, UK
  15. Cabrera, D. and Cabrera, L. (2021) Defining Learning: A Change In Mental Model. In, Routledge Handbook of Systems Thinking, (Eds) Cabrera, D., Cabrera, L. and Midgley, G. Routledge. London, UK. 

Map Activate Check (MAC):

  1. Solin, J. (2021) A Systems Thinking-based Approach to Curriculum and Program Design: Map-Activate-Check. In, Routledge Handbook of Systems Thinking, (Eds) Cabrera, D., Cabrera, L. and Midgley, G. Routledge. London, UK. 
  2. Cabrera, D., Cabrera, L., Powers, E., Solin, J., & Kushner, J. (2018). Applying systems thinking models of organizational design and change in community operational research. European Journal of Operational Research
  3. ___. (2016) CRL. Three Steps For Designing Better Learning Experiences: Map, Activate, Check and Activation Continuum., Cabrera Research Lab.
  4.  ___. (2016). 7 Habits of IxT, Cabrera Research Lab.
  5. Cabrera, Derek & Cabrera, Laura. (2019). Complexity and Systems Thinking Models in Education: Applications for Leaders. 10.1007/978-3-319-17727-4_101-1.
  6. Cabrera, Derek. (2021). Is rote learning bad? No, but it’s not enough. Systems Thinking Daily. 21:4

Blogs: 

Browse the education tag in our blog.

  1. Staff. (2020) Not Just Posters, Culture Transforming Reifications. Systems Thinking Daily. 20. 4.
  2. Cabrera, D. (2020) Teaching as a Learning Technique: DSRP/CAS Explainer Media Winners . Systems Thinking Daily. 20. 10.
  3. Cabrera, D., Cabrera, L. (2020) Why Students Need to Learn Thinking Skills Now... More Than Ever . Systems Thinking Daily. 20. 9.
  4. Cabrera, L. (2020) Teach Your Child To Think . Systems Thinking Daily. 20. 9.
  5. Cabrera, D. and Cabrera, L. (2020). The Thinking Tree.  Systems Thinking Daily. 20. 8.
  6. Cabrera, D. (2020). #CountMeIn. Systems Thinking Daily. 20. 6.
  7. Staff. (2018). "RE:Thinking" Documentary Challenges Educators. Systems Thinking Daily. 18. 4.
  8. Solin, J. (2016). Knowledge Matters. Systems Thinking Daily. 16. 10.
  9. Solin, J. (2016). Thinking In Water Education. Systems Thinking Daily. 16. 7.
  10. Cabrera, D. (2016). 3 Simple Tips to Learning DSRP. Systems Thinking Daily. 16. 5.
  11. Cabrera, D. (2016). ThinkQuiry Poster Series: Asking Metacognitive Questions Systems Thinking Daily. 16. 2.
  12. Powers, E. (2015). Teaching Systems Thinking In Public Schools. Systems Thinking Daily. 15. 10.
  13.  Solin, J. (2015). What Is A Water Thinker? Systems Thinking Daily. 15. 8.
  14. Powers, E. (2015). Dr. Seuss and DSRP. Systems Thinking Daily. 15. 8.
  15. Cabrera, D. (2014). Meet Cortex Man! How Your Brain Sees Your Body. Systems Thinking Daily. 14. 4.
  16. Staff. (2014). Designing a Classroom Where Ithaca Students Can Learn Better and Longer. Systems Thinking Daily. 14. 2.

Jigs: 

  1. ___. (2020) “Glossary of Known Jigs.Cabrera Research Lab Infobase. 20. 8.
  2. Staff. (2020) Could Cognitive Jigs Be the Missing Link to Better Problem Solving? An Interview With Dr. Derek Cabrera . Systems Thinking Daily. 20. 10.
  3. Staff. (2020) S to P Jig: The Jig ALL Frameworks Were Built Upon. . Systems Thinking Daily. 20. 10.
  4. Sukhbaatar, U. (2020). Jig: Lists.  Systems Thinking Daily. 20. 7.
  5. Sukhbaatar, U. (2020). Jig: Cause-Effect.  Systems Thinking Daily. 20. 7.
  6. Cabrera, E. (2020). Jig: System Of Relationships.  Systems Thinking Daily. 20. 5.
  7. Cabrera, D. and Cabrera, L. (2020). Jig: Mix And Match. Systems Thinking Daily. 20. 4.
  8. Cabrera, D. and Cabrera, L. (2020). Jig: Ishikawa or "Fishbone" Diagram. Systems Thinking Daily. 20. 4.
  9. Cabrera, D. and Cabrera, L. (2020). Jig: XY Graph. Systems Thinking Daily. 20. 4.
  10. Cabrera, D. and Cabrera, L. (2020). Jig: Tables. Systems Thinking Daily. 20. 4.
  11. Cabrera, D. and Cabrera, L. (2020). Jig: Hierarchical Tree. Systems Thinking Daily. 20. 4.
  12. Cabrera, E. (2020). Jig: Perspective Ecology. Systems Thinking Daily. 20. 4.
  13. Cabrera, D. and Cabrera, L. (2020). Jig: R-Channel. Systems Thinking Daily. 20. 4.
  14. Cabrera, D. and Cabrera, L. (2020). Jig: Barbell. Systems Thinking Daily. 20. 4.
  15. Cabrera, D. and Cabrera, L. (2020). Jig: Categories. Systems Thinking Daily. 20. 4.
  16. Cabrera, D. and Cabrera, L. (2020). Jig: P-Circle. Systems Thinking Daily. 20. 4.
  17. Cabrera, D. and Cabrera, L. (2020). Jig: Analogies, Metaphors, and Similes. Systems Thinking Daily. 20. 4.
  18. Cabrera, E. (2020). Jig: Part Parties. Systems Thinking Daily. 20. 3.
  19. Cabrera, D. (2020). Universal Jigs. Systems Thinking Daily. 20. 3.
  20. Cabrera, D. (2020). Jigs and Sliders: The Cognitive Templates of the 21st Century. Systems Thinking Daily. 20. 3.
  21. ___. (2015). Slider and Jig Definitions. Cabrera Research Lab

Sliders: 

  1. ___. (2020) “Glossary of Sliders.” Cabrera Research Lab Infobase. 20. 8.
  2. Staff. (2020) Slider: K/DK: An Interview With Dr. Derek Cabrera. Systems Thinking Daily. 20. 10.
  3. Staff. (2020). Slider: What Got You Here Won't Get You There: An Interview With Dr. Derek Cabrera.  Systems Thinking Daily. 20. 9.
  4. Staff (2020). Slider: Mental Models Cause Behavior - An Interview With Dr. Derek Cabrera. Systems Thinking Daily. 20. 8.
  5. Staff (2020). Slider: Integrity vs Duplicity - An Interview With Dr. Derek Cabrera. Systems Thinking Daily. 20. 8.
  6. Cabrera, D. (2020). Slider: Relationships Sponsored By The Number 3.  Systems Thinking Daily. 20. 8.
  7. Staff (2020). Slider: People As A Means vs. Ends: - An Interview With Dr. Derek Cabrera.   Systems Thinking Daily. 20. 8.
  8. Staff (2020). DIY Self Help Sliders: The Missing Link Between Systems Thinking and Personal Mastery.   Systems Thinking Daily. 20. 8.
  9. Cabrera, D. (2020). Slider: Perfection Paralysis.  Systems Thinking Daily. 20. 7.
  10. Cabrera, D. (2020). Slider: De-dupe-ing. Systems Thinking Daily. 20. 4.
  11. Cabrera, D. (2020). Jigs and Sliders: The Cognitive Templates of the 21st Century. Systems Thinking Daily. 20. 3.
  12. Cabrera, E. (2020). Slider: Distinguishing Feelings and Thinkings. Systems Thinking Daily. 20. 3.
  13. ___. (2015). Slider and Jig Definitions. Cabrera Research Lab.

    Other Resources: 

    1. ___. (2020) National Standards for Thinking Skills. Cabrera Research Lab. 
    2. ___. (2020) Model Classroom Design Folder. Cabrera Research Lab. 
    3. ___. (2018) Vertical Transfer of Knowledge in DSRP MapsCabrera Research Lab. 
    4. ___. (2017) Maps of the Common Core Standards. Cabrera Research Lab. 
    5. Solin, J. (2017) Wisconsin EE Standards. Cabrera Research Lab. 
    6. Cabrera, D. (2016) “Plectica: Visual Mapping Software.” Plectica
    7. ___. (2016) DSRP 4 Square ActivityCabrera Research Lab. 
    8. ___. (2016). Systems Thinking Card Deck. Cabrera Research Lab.
    9. ___. (2016). Distinction Roots, Cabrera Research Lab. 
    10. ___. (2016). Perspective Roots, Cabrera Research Lab. 
    11. ___. (2016). Relationship Roots, Cabrera Research Lab.
    12. ___. (2016). Systems Roots, Cabrera Research Lab.
    13. ___. (2016). Roots Poster Collection, Cabrera Research Lab.
    14. ___. (2015) Three Things Systems Thinkers Do. Cabrera Research Lab.
    15. ___. (2015) Activities for Standard 3.OA.A.4. Cabrera Research Lab. 
    16. ___. (2013) How Much Water Do You Use? Cabrera Research Lab. 
    17. ___. (2013) Thinkified Lesson: How Much Water Do You Use? Cabrera Research Lab. 
    18. ___. (2013) Watersheds: A Thinkified Lesson. Cabrera Research Lab. 
    19. ___. (2013) Ocean Geology Lesson PlanCabrera Research Lab. 
    20. ___. (2013) Wetland In A Pan Lesson PlanCabrera Research Lab. 
    21. ___. (2013) Journey Map. Cabrera Research Lab.
    22. ___. (2013) Journey Map Placard. Cabrera Research Lab.