Considers the relevance of cognitive learning theory to instructional design for effective learning. Highlights include the organization of knowledge; systems approach; cognitive process learning; schema theory; and components of a model for instructional design, including pretesting, motivational considerations, media selection, and validation.…

Reviews systems approaches as a way of analyzing a distance-education professional-development program and, in particular, issues of management. The strength of the systems approach lies, among other things, in the ways it relates distance-based professional development to environments both internal and external to the institution. (Author/AEF)

Insights from chaos theory--the interconnectedness of everything, nonlinear cause and effect, leverage and the "tipping point," and the importance of aligning interventions within a system--are applied to social action and illustrated via the role of adventure education in school and community interventions in the Brattleboro (Vermont) Leadership…

Compares some Western and Russian school-management approaches. Drawing on Larry Cuban's work, reveals differences in language and terms used; shows deep cultural differences in how scholars study the field; explains difficulties in performing some transcultural reconceptualizations; and demonstrates how alien approaches can facilitate scholars'…

Drawing on video, interview, survey, and observational data, analyzes four major actions by teacher leadership teams to explore the team's role-defining efforts. Using event mapping, open systems, and role theory, highlights complex interactions as teachers and principals implemented reforms challenging hierarchical patterns. Systems thinking is…

Examines three circumstances likely to alter the organization of acquisitions expertise in libraries: holistic understanding superseding specialized expertise; diverging futures for acquisitions expertise and acquisitions departments; and the role of acquisitions expertise outside the library. (AEF)

Describes a three-year course at Ben Gurion University (Israel) to develop attitudes and skills necessary for patient-centered medicine. The course uses directed reading, open discussion, case presentations, role-playing, and Balint groups to develop skills at four levels: doctor-patient communication; family systems theory; family systems…

Suggests that professionals can use a human performance system to better balance their professional and personal lives. Illustrates the components of the human performance system, and describes nine steps for professional and personal self-management using a systems approach. Identifies attitudinal barriers to success. Includes a performance…

Presents a multidimensional conceptualization of family functioning that is embedded within a family systems framework. Discusses operational issues pertaining to the assessment of family functioning when conceived of as a complex and multidimensional construct, and explores measurement strategies and analytical approaches. (JPS)

School social workers use a systems approach to address social forces interfering with schools' ability to teach fundamental skills. School social workers analyze current programs; propose new ones; assess individual, family, and community problems; provide alternative intervention strategies; refer students to community services; and attempt to…

Explores an ancient world view rediscovered through modern science: the world is essentially cooperative and systems-seeking; relationships are a requirement for existence; life is a great experimenter; the processes of life are redundant and messy but ultimately self-organizing; and life supports uniqueness and is unpredictable. Relates these…

Argues that role-playing activities can be a powerful tool in mathematics and science education, particularly in the new sciences of complexity (i.e., the study of complex systems). Two role-playing activities are described, each designed to help students develop better intuitions on how complex phenomena can arise from simple interactions, and…

Introduces human performance technology (HPT) by answering the following questions related to: what systems does; practical issues and questions to which systems thinking is relevant; research questions and answers with respect to systems thinking; how HPT practitioners can do systems thinking; systems thinking tools; what is and is not known…

Identifies gaps between what research reveals about how college students learn and current academic, pedagogical, and administrative practices and policies. Offers five explanations of why these gaps exist and suggests that change must be systemic, and will also require that people relearn their roles, systematic measurement of progress, and a…

Urges addressing leadership demands in early childhood care and education. Identifies new adaptable organizational leadership theories and the need for their growth and development. Redefines traditional leadership, discusses the strength of diversity and change in leadership, and advocates using equity and reality to transform leadership in the…