Discusses varieties of feedback as a first step in understanding the dynamics of successful feedback practices and identifies common elements in the concepts of feedback and reinforcement for use in making management of the instructional encounter more effective. Instrumental feedback is discussed as a model for feedback among human beings. (MBR)

Discusses the role that causal models play in program theory evaluation. Considers several types of causal relationships and discusses three causal models derived from systems theory, the theories of virtuous or vicious cycles, symptomatic solutions, and feedback delays. (SLD)

Examines new types of educational software. Topics addressed include electronic performance support systems (EPSSs); other examples of electronic support; a systems approach and a human approach to identifying a common category for EPSSs; users' activities and needs; feedback; hybrid EPSSs; and design guidelines. (35 references) (LRW)

Presents a systems theory approach to strategic planning and a framework for conceptualizing and managing the process more effectively. Reviews problems in past strategic planning efforts, presents a synopsis of systems theory, and applies the systems approach to planning and decision-making processes. Includes two figures and 26 references. (MLH)

Discusses the development of a minicourse approach in which three aspects of design and implementation are based on educational technology: a systems approach to curriculum development, application of behavioral theory, and stimulus response chains which are organized as linear sequences of input-process-output cycles linked by feedback loops.…

One challenge of system leadership always has been that even with the best data and research in place, with all the programmatic and political dimensions under control and with years of experience handling similar decisions, you never really know whether a policy initiative will work until you implement it. That is why anyone who has been a school…

Describes a program evaluation model that was developed over three semesters of teaching an introductory graduate-level course in program evaluation. The framework uses a systems approach that emphasizes its sequenced methodology and the significant of monitoring work through feedback loops in an ongoing revision process. (Author/SLD)

Describes the Family Environment Scale (FES). Discussion of family member's real and ideal family environment identifies areas of agreement and disagreement about actual and desired aspects of family functioning. This procedure can focus each therapy session on specific interpersonal issues and encourage family members to take an active part.…

Presents seven principles for applying technology to training and development problems. Based on General Systems Theory (GST), these principles were developed to help with long-term decisions. Highlights include instructional systems development models; complexity in cultural systems; matching training materials to user characteristics; systems…

Discusses how human performance technology can help new Internet companies. Highlights include major business goals; using a systems approach to look for gaps in the organization itself, personnel, behavior, performance, feedback, communication, and internal inefficiencies; compensation structures; recruiting; training; rewarding performance; and…

The School Improvement Model launched by the Iowa State University College of Education in 1964 uses a total-system approach to measure and report teacher performance. SIM focuses on student achievement and emphasizes validity, reliability, discrimination, and 360-degree feedback from principals, other teachers, parents, and students. A Wyoming…

Describes a four-phased process used by the U.S. Navy for the systematic design and development of interactive videodisc (IVD) courseware (ICW) used for training. Highlights include analyzing job/task data; system design and development, including training objectives, simulations, procedural path analysis, and feedback strategies; and evaluation…

The development and use of a computer-based career system at Georgia State University to provide occupational and educational information to current and potential university constituents is discussed. The delivery areas and activities of the Georgia Career Information System (GCIS) are analyzed through the reduction model, a general systems model…

A simulation model of an academic medical center that was developed to aid in strategic planning and policy analysis is described. The model, designated MCM for Medical Center Model, was implemented at the School of Medicine, University Hospitals of Cleveland, and the private practices of the faculty in the clinical departments at University…

The time constraints facing most Navy instructors often preclude their providing feedback concerning poor performance of trainees in various military training programs that takes into account such psychological considerations as contiguity, repetition, reinforcement, or consideration of a learner's internal conditions of learning. The Instructor's…