This paper proposes how the theoretical framework of ecological dynamics can provide an influential model of the learner and the learning process to pre-empt effective behaviour changes. Here we argue that ecological dynamics supports a well-established model of the learner ideally suited to the environmental education context because of its…

Reports on major change in computer software development process--the prototype model, i.e., implementation of skeletal system that is enhanced during interaction with users. Expensive and unreliable software, software design errors, traditional development approach, resources required for prototyping, success stories, and systems designer's role…

Presents a theory of vocational rehabilitation based on social systems theory. Provides a history of social systems theory and a list of some basic systemic tenets. Relates systemic tenets to vocational rehabilitation systems, reconceptualizing the process and structure of those systems, thereby providing a comprehensive, theoretical framework for…

Views on the need for a theory of mathematics education concern three interrelated components: meta-research and development of meta-knowledge on mathematics education as a discipline, development of a comprehensive view of mathematics education using a systems approach, and development of the dynamic regulating role of mathematics education. (MNS)

Describes new theories in science, based on the construct of "order through fluctuations," which lead to new understanding of the emergence of creativity from turbulence, both in the universe and in education. Attempts to develop new metaphors for "becoming" in education. (Author/KH)

Provides a descriptive 10-step format to be used for conveying some basic concepts of instructional technology to clients, and for focusing the consultant-client interaction, both during initial project definition and throughout project implementation. (Author/MER)

To address the question of why newspapers tend to become more and more fragmented internally and to propose a model of the interrelationships between the newspaper and its "operating environment," this paper draws on recent work by organizational theorists. Beginning by examining the central goal of newspapers, the first section suggests that the…

Examines the dimensions of an emerging awareness of a world society. A sociological framework for describing worldwide societal systems and how they interact is presented. Major traits of the image of a world society, as derived from the framework, are described. (AM)

Several models of curriculum and staff development are described to provide guidance toward the goal of harmoniously blending a humanized curriculum and humanized instruction. The author compares the "explosive" and "implosive" designs for program development and instruction and argues that the implosive design should be adopted and that…

The greater organizational complexity of libraries and information centers in recent years has given rise to more complex problems for managers. To facilitate solutions, operations research (OR) techniques have been developed that consider the quantitative dimensions of problems along with their political and organizational aspects. Eight standard…

Three decision-making models that have applications for college presidents and administrators are reviewed. While both individual and group decision-making are addressed, emphasis is placed on the importance of group decisions on institutional policy planning. The model of Edmund M. Burke (1979) presents specific decision-making strategies in…

Discusses the relationships between knowledge structure, teachers, and learners. Implications for designing an intelligent tutoring system (ITS) are considered; and it is argued that an ITS must model the world, the learner, and teacher-learner interaction to be successful. Experiments conducted to assess the practical usefulness of several…

Traditional organizational theory mandates that organizations predict and stay in control in order to avoid chaos. This book proposes that members of organizations work at developing a new frame of reference for understanding organizational life. The book combines insights from the new science of complexity with insights from psychoanalysis and…

Although most models of connected discourse are strikingly similar in the types of relationships they describe, they are strikingly different in two areas: the unit of analysis and the dimensions on which cohesion versus coherence are described. Common systems for analyzing written text use the sentence, T-unit, clause, or proposition as the unit…

To clarify the relationships among education, employment, and technological research, this study constructs a planning model based on these areas' component fields and their complex interrelationships. Emphasizing that little research has been done on the relationships of education and technology and that little understanding has been achieved of…