Peer Cross-Examination
Layers Used: Layer 3 (Live Defence)
What You Do
Pair up with another student. Exchange your final cascade maps (Draft 3). In a live 15-minute session, each student must: (a) identify at least 2 missing connections in their partner's map, (b) challenge at least 1 feedback loop as unrealistic, and (c) defend their own map against their partner's challenges. No AI access during the session.
Submit your final cascade map to AI with this prompt: "You are a critical peer reviewer examining my systems thinking map. Identify 3 gaps — missing connections, implausible causal chains, or feedback loops I missed. Then challenge one of my feedback loops as unrealistic and explain why. I will defend my reasoning in writing." Conduct a multi-turn defence and submit the full transcript.
Your written preparation notes identifying gaps and challenges in your partner's map (written before the live session). Your partner's written feedback on your map. A post-session reflection (200 words) answering: What did my partner find that I missed? What challenge was hardest to defend? What would I add to my map based on this exchange?
I just completed a peer cross-examination of my systems thinking
cascade map. My partner identified gaps and challenged my feedback
loops. Below is my final cascade map, my partner's critique, and my
reflection.
Please:
(1) Evaluate the gaps my partner identified -- are they genuine gaps
or were my original connections actually sufficient?
(2) Was my partner's challenge to my feedback loop valid?
(3) Based on all the feedback (from AI in previous exercises and from
my partner), what are the top 3 improvements I should make to my
systems thinking approach?
(4) Rate my overall systems thinking development across this entire
chapter from Beginner / Developing / Proficient / Advanced.
(5) Give me a personalized practice recommendation for improving my
weakest area.
My final map: [paste].
Partner's critique: [paste].
My reflection: [paste].
Finally, complete the Thinking Score Card for this exercise:
Independent Thinking (1-10), Critical Evaluation (1-10),
Reasoning Depth (1-10), Originality (1-10), Self-Awareness (1-10).
For each score, give a one-sentence justification.
What This Teaches You
You learn that systems thinking is tested by other humans, not just by AI. A peer who approaches the same problem differently reveals blind spots that AI — which tends to converge on similar analyses — cannot find. The live format tests whether you understand your map deeply enough to explain and defend the connections you drew.
A Systems Thinking Portfolio containing: (1) the original cascade map (Draft 1, before AI), (2) the comparison document and merged map (Draft 2, with attribution), (3) the revised map after variable shift (Draft 3, with change log), (4) peer cross-examination notes and feedback, (5) all AI feedback responses, and (6) a final reflection on your systems thinking growth.
Grading Criteria
| Component | Weight |
|---|---|
| Original cascade map depth (feedback loops, multi-domain effects) | 20% |
| Merged map quality and attribution honesty | 20% |
| Variable shift adaptation quality | 20% |
| Peer cross-examination performance (attack and defence) | 20% |
| AI feedback integration (did you improve based on feedback?) | 10% |
| Reflection quality | 10% |