System offices for community college institutional research differ in many ways from campus offices for community college institutional research. The other chapters in this volume describe salient characteristics of system IR offices, but many readers may want to see a direct comparison of system IR offices to campus IR offices in the community…

Following a comparative review of the concepts of "systems thinking" and "scientific thinking," the author concludes that the powerful potential of the instructional systems development model can only be achieved through a reorientation to the systems concept. (Author/JOW)

After almost three decades of school reform, student achievement nationally is about where it was when it started, and student behavior has declined dramatically. Numbers of dropouts, especially in cities and among the poor and minorities, have gotten much higher. Yet many billions of dollars have been spent; countless professionals have carried…

Presents a comparative analysis of Kaufman's and Nadler's work design models by examining each model's rational content and comparing the distinctive images of procedure that those contents project. Kaufman's insistent claim that his organizational elements model merits distinctive recognition as the definitive explication of the system approach…

This research assumes that systematic and systemic change are two components in instructional design (ID)--not dichotomous terms, but two sides of an interconnected dual structured system. Specifically, this paper examines the difference between systemic thinking and systematic thinking, the ideal mental model (dual structured systems) for ID, and…

A review of the literature examines definitional issues in child abuse. The review is organized into sections on theory and ideology, historical broadening of concept, comparative studies, dimensions of definitions, operational definitions, and breadth of systems. The importance of definitional issues in construction of a unifying framework for…

Two approaches to development are identified--ecological and cognitive. A comparison of the two approaches is made, and decisions are made favoring the ecological approach. A detailed description of the advantages of the ecological approach is provided by means of a systems theory model. (Author/DB)

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…

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 a system-theoretic view of the relationship between the disciplines of communication and information/library studies. Terms most frequently appearing in article titles in five journals for each field are listed in rank order, and six propositions extending systems theory to communication and information are offered. (92 references) (LRW)

Provides an overview of this issue focusing on relationships between instructional design (ID) and classroom teachers. Topics addressed include ID in teacher planning, including the systems approach; teachers' understanding of learning theory; instructional planning; a comparison of experiences of educators who were trained in ID; and distance…

Examines similarities between performance technology and instructional technology, including a systems approach, reliance upon analysis, theoretical antecedents, causes of performance problems, and anticipating obstacles to the introduction of innovation. Goals, target, activities, deliverables, domain, vision, and futures are compared; and the…

Ireland's computerized, national system of university admission, which assigns all students to institutions simultaneously, and Britain's system using a single set of admissions forms and centrally coordinated admissions, suggest that centralization can be an efficient and cost-effective method of linking students with colleges in the United…

There are few long-term studies in which the development of vocational education and training (VET) is placed in a larger societal framework. Consequently, there is limited understanding as to why VET has evolved quite differently even in countries with similar economic and social development. In his reflections on a possible theoretical framework…

On-the-job training (OJT) is the most frequently used training method in industry. This OJT is mostly unstructured. While off-job-site training (OJST) should prepare for or supplement OJT, coordination between OJT and OJST is often poor. Advantages of OJT include its low cost, realistic nature, and motivating force. However, it is usually…