Three principles of general systems theory are presented and systems theory is distinguished from systems analysis. The principles state that all systems tend to become more disorderly, that they must be diverse in order to be stable, and that only those maximizing their resource utilization for doing useful work will survive. (Author/LBH)

Excerpts from the occasional journal of a research fellow stress the need for implementing a formal program in normative systems research. (Author)

A new debate strategy which may be used in judging academic debates is the application of policy systems analysis. In the policy systems analysis approach, the negative team must advocate a policy system just as the affirmative team does, providing a comparison for the debate judge. The major difference between systems analysis and traditional…

Although higher education researchers produce the new technology of education, little of it is utilized by higher education. (Editor/HS)

A definition and a general description of communication that makes use of the insights of linguistics and psychology are presented in this paper, along with a conceptual model of communication that incorporates a systems approach. Following a lengthy discussion of the components required for a communication exchange, the systems approach model is…

Describes the use of Forrester systems language as a framework for unifying an undergraduate interdisciplinary environmental science course. (MA)

The purpose of this paper is focused toward a systems understanding of the contemporary university, the American University being the data base. A general systems conceptualization called the open systems university is presented. Comprehensive and generic in character, it is hoped that the theory of the open university will be viable enough to…

Discusses individualization of pacing, instructional goals, mode of learning, and learner's expectations. The article then examines Banathy's seven strategies for developing a systems approach to the classroom in terms of the way they affect the implementation and regulation of an individualized foreign language program. (KM)

This study applies the methodology of systems dynamics to analyze engineering and engineering technology education systems. A preliminary system analysis is presented relating primary variables and their interaction in the overall system through a series of feedback loops. This is followed by a system structure development and mathematical…

A comprehensive introductory book on systems theory and practice in education, this text is designed for introductory graduate-level courses or for self-study. It presents an introduction to a wide variety of subjects, with references for more detailed study of individual topics. The emphasis is split between systems thought and systems…

In its most general sense, a system is a group of components integrated to accomplish a purpose. The heart of an educational system is the instructional system. An instructional system is an integrated set of media, equipment, methods, and personnel performing efficiently those functions required to accomplish one or more learning objectives. An…

This paper presents some suggestions about and evidence on how research theories from social psychology can be used to improve the operation and effects of short term educational programs whose objectives include the education or reeducation of individuals. The document is intended for people connected with the kindergarten through college…

A symposium was sponsored by the American Society for Engineering Education; experts in the fields of technology, economics, and pedagogy gathered to evaluate the potential technological advances in terms of cost-effectiveness and feasibility within the existing educational framework, and to help delineate the ways in which educational…