(2026) Coordinating Mechanistic Reasoning and Systems Thinking in Chemistry Education

Vicente Talanquer,

Chemistry Education Research and Practice, 2026,

DOI: 10.1039/6RP00160B,

This article explores the epistemic relationship between mechanistic reasoning and systems thinking, proposing that these frameworks can be integrated through an instructional model to facilitate effective learning in a complementary manner. The author argues that coordinating mechanistic reasoning with systems thinking can foster forms of understanding neither approach could achieve independently.