Visual
Problem Appraisal ‘Kerala’s Coast’ - A simulation for learning on
complex problems
Bert Enserink
, Technische Universiteit Delft E-mail: B.Enserink@tudelft.nl
& Loes Witteveen
, Larenstein
University of Professional Education
Visual
Problem Appraisal (VPA) is a realistic open simulation, constructed as a
consultancy mission, positioning participants in the role of a consultant
travelling to a foreign destination to analyse a complex situation. VPA is a
film-based simulation that aims to encourage and support (prospect)
professionals to sharpen their analytical competencies by actively observing
the explicit articulation of the various problem perceptions of the
stakeholders encapsulated in filmed interviews. VPA was designed for training
students in the international classroom in interpreting complex problems and
is used in master courses Integrated Coastal Zone Management of Cochin
University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), and of the Van Hall Institute,
Larenstein University and Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands .
VPA
Kerala’s Coast focuses on issues of coastal zone management in Kerala, South
India, a tropical coastal area stressed by high population pressure and
developmental activities. It is based on 23 interviews with stakeholders like
policy makers, traditional fisherman, clam pickers, sand miners, trawler
owners, researchers, environmentalist, and rice farmers.
Apart
from classroom application VPA was tested as a tool for social learning in the
actual problem situation. In co-operation with CUSAT authorities four two-day
workshops with different publics were organised, ranging from CUSAT students
in coastal zone management, lecturers involved in Social Security Schemes to
local stakeholders of the Thycattussery Block Panchayat and professionals of
the department of Fisheries. Participants indicated they now do better
understand why people in the coastal zone act and work the way they do and
changed their perspective on coastal zone problems, which we consider to be an
indication of real social learning and the effectiveness of VPA.
In
this paper we describe the design of the visual problem appraisal as a method
for analysing and structuring complex problems. We will present the evaluation
outcomes of the use of VPA “Kerala’s Coast” both in the classroom and in
the field experiment in Kerala.
Dr.
Dorien DeTombe
(MSc.Ph.D.)
Chair International Research Society on Methodology of Societal Complexity
P.O.
Box. 3286, 1001 AB Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Europe
Tel: +31 20
6927526
E-Mail: DeTombe@nosmo.nl ;
http://www.geocities.com/doriendetombe
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©Dorien J. DeTombe, All rights reserved,
first announced February 2007