This paper demonstrates an approach which enables one to reduce in a systematic way the immense complexity of a large body of knowledge. This approach provides considerable insight into what is known and unknown in a given academic field by systematically and pragmatically ordering the information. As a case study, the authors selected…

Attention is focused in this rather advanced discussion on human goals and human style in the face of present and anticipated future developments in the computer-based technologies as related to English education. The paper admittedly is not objective. The implications of two hypotheses are discussed: that learning systems are not necessarily a…

A 100-year scenario of the future of information technology. To achieve inexpensive, high-speed, and small computers, new techniques are likely to replace silicon technology. The ultimate computer might be biological and patterned on DNA. Future computers will require information rather than store it. Light wave communication will broaden…

This is a special issue examining the potential of cybernetics in educational technology. Articles discuss: cybernetic methods, algorithms, feedback learning theory, a structural approach to behavioral objectives and criterion-referenced testing, task specifications and diagnosis, teacher-child interaction, educational development, teaching…

An attempt is made to describe second language behavior and language transfer in cybernetic terms. This should make it possible to translate language into machine language and to clarify psycholinguistic explanations of second language performance. (PMJ)

Reviews models and theories on effective schooling. Discusses four rationality-based organization theories and a fifth perspective, chaos theory, as applied to organizational functioning. Discusses theory-embedded principles flowing from these theories: proactive structuring, fit, market mechanisms, cybernetics, and self-organization. The…

Examines 10 assertions about education from both the "common sense" perspective, and "cybernetics" or systems theory. Urges educators to examine unexamined assumptions. (MM)

Synthesizes social construction theory and the Satir approach to family therapy as a process of cocreation of reality, the use of language and narrative, and the therapist's role as a participant-facilitator. Presents a theory-building process of the Satir approach to family therapy. (Author/MKA)

The cognitive learning processes of assimilation and accommodation are critically examined in this paper. A special focus is given to an analysis of the process of assimilation as it is proposed in Hugh Petrie's book, "The Dilemma of Enquiry and Learning." Initially, Piaget's biological metaphor of assimilation-accommodation is reviewed…

The work of English cybernetician Gordon Pask on learning styles and strategies is presented. An attempt is made to describe the basic ideas of Conversation Theory, Pask's general theory of cognition. The learning strategies "holism" and "serialism," and the more general learning styles "comprehension learning" and…

Presents a model that provide a holistic and humanistic understanding of human systems and various theoretical approaches for helping relationships. Includes a six-stage process for counseling-programming. Limitations on the model are presented. (Author/BW)

In the development of assessment for elementary students, little attention has been paid to the information exchange between student and tester. Analysis of the learning exchange requires developmental, diagnostic, and process information. Cybernetic assessment, a departure from standard testing techniques, involves the examiner in the information…

GOAL OF THIS STUDY WAS TO DETERMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF DEVELOPING A MODEL TO DESCRIBE "REAL-LIFE" FEEDBACK SIGNAL PATHS FROM OUTSIDE THE SECONDARY SCHOOL OR SCHOOL DISTRICT TO AN OCCUPATIONAL TEACHER. AFTER A REVIEW AND EVALUATION OF THE LITERATURE IN SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND SYNTHESIS SINCE 1914, IT WAS CONCLUDED THAT ATTENTION SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO…