Analyzes suicide in terms of a dynamic model of changes in suicidal tendencies over time. Suggests that minor fluctuations may incite rapid development toward suicide or inhabit suicidality. Notes that this method of analysis and developmental modeling is applicable to other phenomena involving development in complex human behaviors in an open…

Discusses Mishara's use of phrase space analysis to chart the developmental dynamics of suicide. Contends that developmentalists should concern themselves with mental ontology, especially epistemic questions, in order to advance understanding of the development of the human mind. Considers the affinity of interactivism with a dynamic systems…

Explores ways that colleges and universities can become learning communities in all of their dimensions. Discusses the five disciplines of the learning organization (personal mastery, mental models, shared vision, team learning, and systems thinking) and ways to adhere to these disciplines. Describes leadership roles and the importance of vision.…

Discusses a systems theory of evaluation that provides a framework and critical indicators for evaluating effectiveness of Web-mediated faculty work in creating and transferring knowledge. (EV)

Discusses a holistic pilot program that was developed to deliver services to custodial grandparents, grandchildren, and school personnel. During and after completion of the program, observations and preliminary data analysis showed positive social and participation benefits for both grandparents and grandchildren. (Contains 26 references.) (GCP)

Criticizes systems theory for providing an inappropriate model of the family. Proposes that the family should be conceived of as a matrix of interlocking experiences. (RJC)

A clinical case of penile obsession and compulsive hypersexuality is interpreted from four different theoretical frameworks--psychoanalysis, behaviorism, Bowen-type multigenerational therapy, and structural/strategic systems theory--to illustrate how conceptual frameworks implicitly or explicitly underlie all therapeutic approaches. Implications…

For strategic financial planning, institutions must determine their objectives and priorities, and adapt resource planning decisions to them. They must think in terms of efficient resource use and operational effectiveness. Strategic planning requires flexibility to adapt to changing environments and reallocate resources, and needs an effective…

Reviews a number of inventories designed to measure dimensions of family systems theory and then provides a discussion of family systems assessment. Includes discussions of two couple's inventories, eight nuclear family inventories, and two family of origin inventories. Concludes that counselor educators must have understanding of marriage and…

Examines 10 assertions about education from both the "common sense" perspective, and "cybernetics" or systems theory. Urges educators to examine unexamined assumptions. (MM)

A five-step method for teaching notetaking skills in students with mild learning handicaps includes evaluating current performance, teaching preskills, teaching a notetaking system, providing for distributed practice, and providing for skill generalization. Additional practical suggestions for teachers are provided. (MSE)

Major issues for the next decade are the aging of the population, emergence of a high tech society, and higher skill demands of the workplace. A systems approach to strategic planning, involving scenario development of alternative futures and resulting action plans, is needed to ensure that education keeps pace with the emphasis on workplace…

The ecological systems approach to language ability and disability views language as context-dependent, integrates language content with other skills, and emphasizes higher level thinking. The emergence of the ecological systems view is described, and the ecological approach is compared with the more narrow approach traditionally found in school…

Discussion of the appropriate use of instruction and training for performance problems in developing countries highlights a case study of an unsuccessful instructional project in South America. The importance of front-end analysis and a needs assessment are emphasized, and the sociotechnical systems theory (STS) of organizational development is…

Presents a family systems model for understanding the impact of chronic illness on family functioning and describes family-focused interventions related to reducing the stress involved during the adjustment process. (Author)