Describes the systems approach (the Information-Based School Development Project) used by a large education system in Australia for school review and development, involving a research and a service component to help schools identify, obtain, and organize information they need for their own decision-making. Relates two case studies. (SR)

Discussion of electronic performance support systems (EPSS) focuses on performance support engineering and its role in designing performance support systems. Highlights include the organizational performance/learning cycle model; a systems approach to EPSS; computer-based training and other EPSS methodologies; and future possibilities. (LRW)

Presents a conceptual framework and notation for learner modelling in intelligent tutoring systems based on the computational distinction between behavior, behavioral knowledge, and conceptual knowledge and between the system, the learner, and the system's representation of the learner. Approaches to learner modelling based on a review of the…

This paper discusses the rationale for school-based suicide postvention consultation, various arguments for utilization of external and internal consultants, and basic goals of postvention consultation. It advocates an ecological systems view of postvention consultation. (Author/DB)

This article explains dynamic systems theory (DST), a theoretical framework for the management of children with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Three tenets of DST (self-organization of movement, transition, and rate-limiting factors) are examined in light of potential intervention strategies. The need for research to evaluate DST assumptions and…

Discussion of educational systems design describes four systems levels that can be emphasized: learning experience, instructional, administration, and governance levels. Factors to be considered in selecting a focus level and the implications of focusing on the learning experience level are discussed; and a table comparing instructional and…

Proposes a world systems approach to comparative education to overcome the limitations of mainstream case/country-study approaches and the omission of non-Western perspectives. The approach analyzes the existence worldwide of nation-state controlled education systems, which are structurally similar, yet socially differentiated and ideologically…

Learners must acquire a general strategic orientation in their problem solving, to determine what counts as relevant information in problematic situations. A dynamic systems approach is called for in determining whether general or context-specific instructions are needed to promote transfer of relevant information to novel conditions. (Author/JDD)

Discusses the history of the hierarchical epigenetic systems view as applied to human development and offers examples of its implementation. Notes the agreement by many authors that the multilevel systems view is the right model for developmental psychology in both human and animal studies. (BC)

A systematic approach to preparation of successful college lectures is outlined, including four stages: anticipation (of content and expectations); preparation (selection, acquisition, design, and construction); execution (attention to speech habits, demeanor, and body language); and support (evaluation, maintenance, and enhancement). (MSE)

Human resource development professionals have two challenges in total quality management (TQM): showing management what customer focus and leadership mean and declining responsibilities that are not theirs. TQM's systems view of training involves value-adding processes that take place before, during, and after the learning transaction. (SK)

The University of Queensland's social consultancy curriculum helps change agents develop such skills as flexibility, confidence, and judgment. The program uses systems concepts, process consultation, action research, and the models of Argyris and Schon to help future consultants understand people and social systems. (SK)

Introduces design, integrated with systems thinking, as a necessary if not sufficient means for meeting the challenge of how to create or recreate organizations and institutions. The limits of problem-solving strategies when applied to complex organizational change, the designer's role, and the creative process of design are discussed. (Contains…

This article presents challenges facing child mental health services research and the contributions made by the series of papers in this journal issue. The series illustrates two major categories of services research: systems level research and clinical services level research. Methodological issues, particularly for randomized clinical trials in…

Orange Grove Middle School in Tucson, Arizona, is part of a movement to transform schools into learning organizations. Systems thinking, combined with the related disciplines of building a shared vision, working with mental models, team learning, and personal mastery, is the essential component. The key to effective leadership is harnessing the…