The authors assert that the present educational system is not responding to the demands of the environment, but schools may be performing at their capacity and unable to improve further. They propose system redesign and implementation as part of an alternative frame of reference regarding reform. (Author)

Continuing use of outdated design is the main source of the crisis in education. The existing system should be "trans-formed" rather than "re-formed." Transformation requires the development of organizational capacity and collective capability to engage in systems design with a broad vision of what should be. (Author/JOW)

Clarifies concepts of linearity and circularity as applied to marital and family therapy. Defines distinct and theoretically legitimate meanings of linearity (proportionality, unilaterality, temporality). Redefines circularity into two distinct meanings (recursivity and holicity). Concludes with call for continued deconstruction of social systems…

The ecosystem approach is a management philosophy in which humans participate in the natural world, not dominate it. Discusses this concept with respect to the Great Lakes context, the anthropocentric argument, sustainable development, and integrating economy and environment. (Contains 52 references.) (MDH)

The interior ecosystems model illustrates effects on the human organism of the interaction of the natural, behavioral, and built environment. Examples of interior lighting and household energy consumption show the model's flexibility for organizing study variables in interior design research. (SK)

Describes ways that components of Information Engineering (IE) methodology can be used by training system developers to extend Instructional Systems Development (ISD) methodology. Aspects of IE that are useful in ISD are described, including requirements determination, group facilitation, integrated automated tool support, and prototyping.…

An open-systems framework is used to describe how institutional researchers analyze the inputs, processes, outputs, and environmental considerations of higher education; resources for collecting and analyzing data are specified. Additional resources for institutional research professionals are listed. (MSE)

Introduces fundamental concepts of problem-determined linguistic systems approach to counseling and demonstrates utility of these concepts for students, trainers, supervisors, and practitioners. Contends that problem-determined linguistic system provides alternative approach to developing meaning that has implications for how mental health…

"Nonlinear dynamics," chaos and complexity theories, and their accompanying research methods provide new ways to understand systems theory and study complex human systems. This article presents an overview of these approaches, their sophisticated mathematical methods, and their relevance to social work practice and research. The…

Introduces a guide to provide interviewers with a methodological systems approach for information gathering in the life review process. The Life Review Interview Guide promotes high self-esteem and assists the interviewee through the grieving process. Also assists the student-interviewer in formulating and selecting a wide range of questions.…

Examines remedial education policy change at City University of New York (CUNY) both in historical context and from the perspective of system design. Interprets the policy to phase out remedial education in CUNY senior colleges as strategy to create "more of a system" by increasing differentiation of missions and stratification among…

Suggests that human performance technologists need to have an analysis approach to support the development of an appropriate set of improvement recommendations for clients and then move to an action plan to help them see results. Presents a performance improvement model and a systematic approach that considers organizational context, ownership,…

Reviews Thelen and Smith's book and its account of "how knowing develops from doing." Concentrates on the nature of dynamic systems. (DR)

Responds to C. Aaron McNeese's (1995) article, "Family Social Work Practice: From Therapy to Policy." It encompasses the long-standing debate in social work over micro- and macro-level approaches to problem solving, commonly referred to as the "cause-function" debate. The struggle to minimize adverse effects of diversity has…

Responds to the Witkin's (1993) comparison of family social work and family therapy. Argues that family social work and family therapy share important commonalities, and challenges Witkin's characterization of family therapy as outdated. Characterizes family therapy as having contributing important writings about gender and culture. (JPS)