In this article, we introduce a systemic framework for the development of learning potential to professional excellence inspired by the Actiotope model of giftedness. First, we critically reflect on three theoretical approaches representing different psychological constructions of learning potential. We label these approaches theories of…

Current prominent models of identity face challenges in bridging across divergent perspectives and apparent dichotomies such as personal or social-collective, conscious or unconscious, and epigenetic or discursive-relational, and affording pursuit of research questions that allows integrative answers. This article presents a coherent theoretical…

Psychobiological systems theory is a relational approach to development that challenges the longstanding views that (1) genetic and environmental influences on the phenotype can be meaningfully partitioned and that (2) genes are capable of directly specifying phenotypes. Gilbert Gottlieb's theoretical innovations including the notion of…

Molenaar's (2015) article concerns Developmental Systems Theory (DST) in relation to behavior genetics and he presents implications of DST for empirical research, especially the need for subject-specific studies. In this commentary, the article is discussed from a broader developmental science perspective, particularly regarded through the lens of…

Revisioning graduate professional-development programs is critical to enhancing graduate education. Both graduate students and employers have expressed a desire for an educational experience that better prepares students for their professional roles. This article describes the revisioning of a graduate professional-development program using a…

Argues that dynamic systems approaches may provide an explanatory framework based on general scientific principles for developmental psychology, using principles of self-organization to explain how novel forms emerge without predetermination and become increasingly complex with development. Contends that self-organization provides a single…

Discusses various ways in which context may be interpreted to enhance learning and performance; illustrates domains of learning using a hockey team as an example; and suggests implications for learning, performance, and instructional design. Highlights include an ecological systems model; and examples of individual development, team learning, and…

This first paper in the intrapersonal skills series presents a conceptual model of intrapersonal skills. Intrapersonal skills are defined as those skills individuals need to possess and perfect in order to manage themselves, and as a prerequisite to interpersonal skills. It is noted that intrapersonal skills are concerned with lessening internal…

Presents the Gifted Identity Formation Model, an effort to bridge theoretical and practical aspects of identity formation in gifted students in the context of the counseling process. The model relates four constructs (validation, affirmation, affiliation, affinity) across 12 systems (such as self, family, culture, education, social relationships,…

A model for an integrated systems approach to staff evaluation and staff development. (MLF)

For the field of human development, the synthesis of older theories of the environment, newer context theories, biological theories, and systems theories permit the generation of new models for the developmental process. This paper reviews, compares, and contrasts recent theories of development and presents a synthesis that can guide future…

A systems model is presented which combines critical incident research techniques and systems methodology to improve individual decision-making. The model: (1) revolves around a critical incident approach to understanding personal history of decision-making in several environments such as family, educational, and vocational; (2) utilizes the…

Some complexities and difficulties in conducting educational research without an adequate systems view are indicated. Educational programs and problems can be differentiated into at least two main streams based on epistemological assumptions. Based on this differentiation, the researcher may apply different techniques and theories from several…

Presents self organization theory, which explains change in human development and behavior and which views choices and changes as being created in a state of disequilibrium. Includes background in previous developmental theory and in systems theory and explains first- and second-order change within the theory. (Author/KS)

A living systems model of community development has been synthesized from elements of three perspectives: (1) a global movement toward more sustainable patterns of human development that is identifying indicators of community health in a wide range of categories; (2) research on the complex interactions of living systems that make life on earth…