Discusses several systems models of interaction in distance education and relates them to the contexts of instructional delivery, instructional design, instructional theory, and learning theory in order to establish conceptual parameters for the function of interaction. Models covered include those developed by Dick and Carey, Shannon and Weaver,…

Discusses the historical development of "hard" and "soft" systems thinking traditions and examines how these traditions have been understood and applied in the field of instructional development. Proposes the need for a synthesis of the two traditions in planning, implementing, and evaluating instructional programs. (AEF)

A Canadian extension program in Russia revealed two major problems facing Western extension agents: failure of Russian farms to treat dairy farming as a holistic, interdependent system, and a low level of human resource management skills due to the past history of direction by command. (SK)

Systems concepts from general systems theory and family therapy literature are presented as analytical tools to help professionals understand and change interactions with their clients having communication disorders. Two case examples that illustrate relationship problems are presented, and approaches taken to their resolution are described.…

In "The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization" (1990), Peter Senge shows how educators can achieve meaningful change and transform schools into self-renewing learning organizations. Organizations must develop five disciplines: personal mastery, mental models, shared vision, team learning, and systems…

In contrast to earlier notions, a systems view of an organism's development sees genes as only one component in a hierarchy of influences that produces finished traits and differentiation. Developmental canalization proceeds from genes, behavior, and environment as well as from the coaction of these factors. (BC)

Deming's "System of Profound Knowledge" is even more fundamental than his 14-principle system transformation guide and is based on 4 elements: systems theory, statistical variation, a theory of knowledge, and psychology. Management should revamp total system processes so that quality of product is continually improved. Implications for…

Argues that a process orientation, rather than a focus on inputs and outputs, offers performance technologists a more direct way of contributing to the realization of key business goals and more effectively focuses training and development on performance issues. Process redesign is a key strategy in the realization of these two goals. (Contains 15…

Explores opportunities for the future involvement of counseling psychologists in the health field. Includes evolving definitions of health specialties; changes currently taking place in conceptual models for health, disease, and medicine; and issues related to counseling psychologists' involvement in the health field. (Author/PVV)

This comment on EC 600 431 addresses the debate about whether public schools are obligated to serve socially maladjusted children/youth. The paper conceptualizes the debate from a "system restructuring" perspective, which takes into account cultural and social forces and organizational structures, and concludes that antisocial individuals should…

This article describes concepts underlying the idea of the "family as a system"; compares and contrasts four approaches to family therapy (those of Virginia Satir, Jay Haley, Murray Bowen, and Salvador Minuchin); and offers suggestions to teachers referring parents for family counseling. (DB)

A model of higher education learning and teaching based on systems theory, in which all parts of the teaching-learning context are seen as seeking equilibrium, is proposed. The task of the teacher is seen as achieving good teaching practices that are workable within the existing matrix of systems and subsystems. (Author/MSE)

After reviewing recent contributions to the field of motor development, suggests a pattern formation or dynamics approach to child development as an alternative to the conventional approaches emphasizing maturation (nativist), specific learning experiences (empiricist), cognitive stages (Piagetian), and strategies of encoding and retrieval…

The School Development Program includes a School Planning and Management Team, a Mental Health Team, and Parents Program. The mental health component involves collaboration of child development and mental health experts and the community in dealing with individual student and global school issues in mental health. (SK)

An investigation of 133 job advertisements for systems librarians in "American Libraries" in 1996-1997 was conducted. Results show that although systems librarians in different types of libraries may play different roles and have different emphases in their duties, the responsibility and knowledge requirements for them are generally…