The purpose of this systematic literature review of empirical studies was to analyse the results of 20 years of research, related to education reform, to identify factors that support or hinder change efforts. An electronic search identified a total of 160 relevant primary studies published between 2000 and 2020 that were included in the review.…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to provide advice to organizations on how to become successful in the digital age. The paper revisits Peter Senge's (1990) notion of the learning organization and discusses the relevance of systems thinking and the other four disciplines, namely, personal mastery, mental models, shared vision and team learning…

Background/Context: The traditional literature on the history of higher education in the United States focuses on linear explanations of the inexorable growth of the size, mission, and importance of colleges and universities. That approach ignores or minimizes a recurrent strain of discontent with the higher education sector, especially from…

An often-quoted Nigerian proverb holds that it is the responsibility of the whole village to teach a child. This paper argues that this goal might not even be possible, given the complex educational system of the 1990s. The paper provides a framework for effective change based on an understanding of the complexity of the educational system. It…

Structural features of the United States' foreign language teaching system are sketched, focusing on ways that different activities and organizations in foreign language instruction form a de facto national system and the extent to which the system serves the national need for a large, diverse pool of highly proficient second language users. The…

Discusses the relationship of constructivism with instructional design theory. Topics discussed include instructional systems development; objectives; learning versus instruction; deep learning versus surface learning; situated learning versus formal instruction; adaptive learning; and the role of interactive educational technology in the design…

Discusses educational developers, their role in the preparation and delivery of distance education courses, and their interaction with teachers. Highlights include theories of educational development; a systems approach to educational technology; curriculum planning; setting educational objectives; designing instruction; and student assessment and…

This paper provides a synthesis of the literature on the role of benchmarking, with a focus on its use in the public sector. Benchmarking is discussed in the context of quality systems, of which it is an important component. The paper describes the basic types of benchmarking, pertinent research about its application in the public sector, the…

This first of two monographs dealing with comprehensive institutional planning is directed at executive officers and institutional planners of two-year colleges interested in initiating or improving their approach to planning. Chapter 1 discusses planning as an essential administration function for the 1980s; such planning must be sensitive to…

Discussion of the need for school reform focuses on teaching students enrolled in teacher education programs how to use systems approach principles to help with instructional planning. Topics discussed include setting objectives; selecting instructional materials; evaluating instructional effectiveness; constraints and pressures faced by teachers;…

Discusses the systemic reform of education and training based on a review of pertinent literature, including a conceptual framework; the GOALS 2000 legislation; models of learning, including constructivism, student empowerment, and andragogy; the potential of technology in systemic reform; equitable access; using the National Information…

It is proposed that the only technology that has consistently been effective over traditional education approaches is the personalized system of instruction (PSI). An overview is given of the purpose, origin, development, and use of the system. The five critical components are outlined: use of student assistants, emphasis on the written word in…

This book is a compilation of responses and reactions to a position paper by Dr. Joseph Stubbins entitled "The Clinical Model in Rehabilitation and Alternatives." The text of the position paper is presented along with a brief summary of the main points he made in it pertaining to the clinical model and the systems model. Also included in the…

In Sweden, initial vocational education (IVT) is financed by public money and is designed to provide basic skills and general qualifications to perform certain functions in an occupation. Continuing vocational training (CVT) is provided primarily by public school institutions, private enterprises, and training companies, trade unions, and employer…

This document, which draws heavily on lessons learned during 11 years of the Southern Regional Education Board's High Schools That Work initiative, is intended to help state leaders review their existing system for assessing accountability in vocational education or plan such a system. The document begins with a discussion of the purpose of…