This report provides a theoretical and practical use of a systems approach as it applies to student teacher training programs. Areas of primary focus include: (a) identification of preliminary competencies for student teachers and development of measures for predicting success in student teaching; (b) development both of behavioral objectives for…

In 1972 each campus of the University of Wisconsin system was directed to develop a 10-year academic plan by the end of 1973. The response of UW-Green Bay to this mandate is presented, with special reference to the preplanning activities at the system level, and to the organization and implementation of comprehensive planning procedures at the…

The true state of the system described here is characterized by a probability vector. At each stage of the system an action must be chosen from a finite set of actions. Each possible action yields an expected reward, transforms the system to a new state in accordance with a Markov transition matrix, and yields an observable outcome. The problem of…

The two words, "communication"--defined as the sharing of experience--and "process"--referred to as the movement of interrelated events or actions toward an identifiable goal--may be usefully viewed together as the goal-oriented combination of variables designed to produce at least a single communicative event. In an organizational setting, the…

As the element of government closest to direct taxpayer control, education is in deep crisis. Education must become more productive if only to maintain its present level of operation. Increasing productivity means getting the same results for less cost, getting better results for the same cost, or getting significantly better results for…

This paper describes the Youth Resource Center (YRC) of Glastonbury, Connecticut--a multifaceted treatment facility. The YRC is based on a Systems-Interaction (SI) model of service, which maintains that a system can be changed by intervention at any point in the system; consequently, the same goals can be achieved through various target groups or…

Simple continuity is applied with graph theory to generate a student flow model with multiple inputs and outputs. A graph of all semesters or nodes is laid out along with an input block for transfers in and an output block for transfers out. Arcs are connected from the zero node to the graduation node and these are placed in a time-forward…

This study was designed to develop a methodology for evaluating the application of Instructional Technology (IT), conceived of in terms of a systems approach. An idealized model of IT was prepared based on a literature review of current models. The model was matched against basic nursing education programs purporting to use IT. A rating technique…

This publication provides an organizational scheme for a creative problem solving process. The authors indicate that all problems can benefit from the same logical and orderly process now employed to solve many complex problems. The principles remain constant; only specific methods change. Chapter 1 analyzes the development of creativity and fear…

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…

The primary purpose of this project was to develop a procedural model for improving vocational guidance programs in senior high schools. Using a systems approach, the model: (1) emphasizes student behavioral objectives, (2) gives alternative methods for accomplishing these objectives, (3) provides program evaluation strategies, (4) incorporates…

The 1969 Adult Basic Education Administrator's Institute, held at Montclair State College in New Jersey, was designed as a pilot national institute to bring together not only ABE administrators from Region II of the U.S. Office of Health, Education, and Welfare, but administrators and supervisors from outside the region, including the Commonwealth…

This publication contains the 37 papers presented at the sixth annual forum of the Association for Institutional Research. Previous forums had reviewed conceptual frameworks and research design and methodology used in institutional research. Subsequent programs, focusing on processes and outputs of academic institutions, will provide companion…

This document conceptualizes the university as a living social system with technical, managerial, service, and institutional subsystems that have specialized goals. The document discusses models of university compliance systems--the compliance of university participants in different models such as formal, semiformal, and informal. In developing…

The most critical activity in the planning-programing-budgeting system is the specification and employment of goals and objectives. Program goals are the desired outcomes of a program, but program objectives are the changes in, or the creation of, program elements in a specified way to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of a program. Since…