Satiric essay which alleges that computer assisted instruction is often a process so wrapped up in itself that it loses sight of the needs of the student. (LS)

Discusses economics as a mechanistic theory and the systems approach as a functionalist theory. Relevant literature is reviewed and a synthesis of the two types of theories is presented. (Author/DB)

A description of a competency based, individualized graduate degree program, Modular Multiple Alternative Program (ModMAP). The program focuses on the training of elementary teachers, and offers an alternative approach to graduate studies. (Author)

This monograph presents the rationale for the development of a new instructional system; it is part of an effort, sponsored by a consortium of Utah school districts and the State Board of Education, to introduce and implement a systems approach to instruction in Utah public schools. The first half of the paper is a critique of the present…

The systems approach involves defining the system, analyzing the context setting criteria, designing and choosing alternatives using prediction models. The approach can be applied to training (a conceptual model is presented) but further research is needed to develop predictive models. Instructional technology is becoming a reality in the forms of…

General systems theory may be of special use to social work as a teaching tool to organize knowledge more quickly for the student. (Editor)

Encourages teachers and trainers to investigate instructional design alternatives in order to find approaches that fit varied student learning needs and constraints. The Instructional Design Library, a series of 40 guides to different types of designs, is recommended as one avenue for exploring a systematic approach to instruction. (MER)

This article introduces Model-Eliciting Activities (MEAs) as a form of case study team problem-solving. MEA design focuses on eliciting from students conceptual models that they iteratively revise in problem-solving. Though developed by mathematics education researchers to study the evolution of mathematical problem-solving expertise in middle…

This paper discusses the conceptual foundations for "Education for Sustainable Patterns of Living," the mission of the Center for Ecoliteracy in California. It offers an operational definition of ecological sustainability, and proposes study of living systems as a framework for understanding ecology. It considers key concepts for…

Reviews both econometric and instructional process models of education and training and suggests future directions for these models. A 44-item bibliography is included. (Author/DN)

This study investigated the use of a systems approach to prepare teachers in the use of behavioral objectives. The test group consisted of five male and seven female instructors from Webber College (Florida), a small 2-year institution that prepares women for business careers. An instructor should be able to identify the characteristics of both…

The Northampton County Area Community Colleges (Pennsylvania) have developed one approach to the problem of maintaining student-teacher contact and budget levels, while providing learning opportunities for increasing numbers of students. Class meetings and individual cassette-tape instruction are combined with pre-specified behavioral objectives…

Clarifies and stimulates interest in the concept of the human systems approach; presents a theoretical framework that incorporates systems and subsystems in industrial arts; and suggests an activity for teachers to implement an idea that was stimulated by the theoretical framework and a need in industry. (CT)