The Crawford County (Pennsylvania) Excellence Council helped a school superintendent revamp the district's dysfunctional work order system by providing TQM (total quality management) training to five teams of workers. The result was total quality transformation of a work process that transcended mere problem solving. (MLH)

Describes two ways of organizing distance education: using telecommunications to duplicate traditional classroom teaching; and reorganizing educational resources with a total systems perspective, including sources of knowledge, structures of knowledge, and media of communication. An example from higher education is discussed, students'…

Educators' most pressing leadership challenge is tapping each individual's full mental capacity and evoking the highest levels of quality, performance, and productivity. Building learning communities depends on resolving issues related to quality and excellence, governance and restructuring, organizational linkages, diversity as capacity, better…

Discusses experimental work with computer-simulated microworlds as a means for overcoming the tension between laboratory research and field research in psychology. Topics addressed include characteristics of microworlds; examples of microworlds; and three approaches to research with microworlds, including the individual differences approach, case…

Peter Senge explains how his book, "The Fifth Disciple," will change minds about systems thinking, personal growth, and work. He talks about what led him to write the book and what it takes to become a learning organization. (JOW)

This first part of a report originally published in 1992 compares micrographics and digital imaging as methods for preserving printed materials. Topics addressed include costs, standards, ease of access, optical disks, archival quality, resolution, and the benefits of a hybrid-system approach that combines technologies. (Contains nine references.)…

Presents the Gifted Identity Formation Model, an effort to bridge theoretical and practical aspects of identity formation in gifted students in the context of the counseling process. The model relates four constructs (validation, affirmation, affiliation, affinity) across 12 systems (such as self, family, culture, education, social relationships,…

Argues that we can help develop resilience in youth by using a nontraditional approach to changing the fragmented manner in which most services are provided. This approach can include demonstrating desired behaviors instead of relying on the enforcement of mandates or directives to support the change process. (GCP)

Argues that governmental pressures on universities force change that can have positive effects on the institution's teaching function when guidelines based on sociological systems theory are followed. Offers as a successful example the Enterprise in Higher Education Initiative in the United Kingdom which focused on curricular change, and as an…

A national survey of 243 community agencies evaluated services provided for individuals with developmental disabilities who exhibit high-risk sexual behaviors and identified issues and service gaps. Common offenses were sexual behavior in public situations, inappropriate involvement of others, and involvement of minors. Major issues and problems…

Using an applied ecological model, this study focuses on contextual risk factors of elder abuse. Five levels of environment were used to interpret existing research on risk factors. Configuration of risk factors provides a framework for understanding the intergenerational character of quality of life for older adults, developing recommendations…

Proposes a methodology for collaborative innovation, which leads to cognitive development. Topics include a systems approach to lifelong learning; distributed cognition versus collaborative innovation activities; motivation for lifelong learning; creativity and interaction; the role of the Internet; and fuzzy set theory and assessment of cognitive…

Traces the genesis of the systems paradigm in organizational study in the United States to 19th-century engineering practices, based on primary data from three professional journals. The systems paradigm evolved from three forces: the professionalization of mechanical engineering, the political culture of Progressivism, and the politics of labor…

Developmental theories can be augmented by incorporating knowledge about atypical ontogenesis. Examination of individuals with high-risk conditions and psychopathological disorders can shed light on system organization, disorganization, and reorganization. Child maltreatment is examined to illustrate benefits from studying individuals subjected to…

Responds to a previous article that suggests the second-language-acquisition acquisition field has failed to realize academic respectability. Offers an overview of some of the more positive advances in the discipline. Concludes by calling for a whole systems approach to the study of second language acquisition. (Author/JL)