General system theory: Toward a conceptual framework for science and technology education for all

In this paper we suggest using general system theory (GST) as a unifying theoretical framework for “science and technology education for all.” Five reasons are articulated: the multidisciplinary nature of systems theory, the ability to engage complexity, the capacity to describe system dynamics and change, the ability to represent the relationship between the micro-level and macro-level of analysis, and the ability to bring together the natural and human worlds. The historical origins of system ideas are described, and the major concepts of system theory are mapped; including the mathematical, technological, and philosophical constructs. The various efforts to implement system thinking in educational contexts are reviewed, and three kinds of learning environments are defined: expert presentation, simulation, and real-world. A broad research agenda for exploring and drawing-out the educational implications of system thinking and learning is outlined. The study of both real-world and simulated learning environments is advocated.

[1]  Nils S. Peterson,et al.  Representations of Perceived Relations among the Properties and Variables of a Complex System , 1987, IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics.

[2]  F. Weiling.  Lotka, A. J.: Elements of Mathematical Biology. Dover Publications Inc., New‐York 1956; XXX + 465 S., 72 Abb., 36 Tabellen und 4 Übersichtstabellen im Anhang, Preis $ 2,45 , 1965 .

[3]  Ellen B. Mandinach,et al.  The Systems Thinking and Curriculum Innovation Project. Technical Report, Part 1. , 1987 .

[4]  K Forbes,et al.  In theory and practice. , 1993, Clinical nurse specialist CNS.

[5]  Raymond Defay.  Introduction à la thermodynamique des systèmes ouverts , 1929 .

[6]  George P. Richardson,et al.  Introduction to System Dynamics Modeling with DYNAMO , 1981 .

[7]  J. Bruner.  The Process of Education , 1960 .

[8]  Douglas Hill,et al.  An Investigation of The System Concept , 1985 .

[9]  Eric A. Havelock,et al.  Origins of western literacy : four lectures delivered at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, Toronto, March 25, 26, 27, 28, 1974 , 1976 .

[10]  David Riley,et al.  Learning about systems by making models , 1990 .

[11]  Ibrahim A. Halloun,et al.  The initial knowledge state of college physics students , 1985 .

[12]  S. Carey.  Conceptual Change in Childhood , 1985 .

[13]  U. Wilensky.  Abstract Meditations on the Concrete and Concrete Implications for Mathematics Education , 1991 .

[14]  B. Street.  Literacy in Theory and Practice , 1984 .

[15]  G. Cárceles.  World Literacy Prospects at the Turn of the Century: Is the Objective of Literacy for All by the Year 2000 Statistically Plausible? , 1990, Comparative Education Review.

[16]  D. Wagner.  World Literacy: Research and Policy in the EFA Decade , 1992 .

[17]  C. Desjardins,et al.  Classical conditioning: induction of luteinizing hormone and testosterone secretion in anticipation of sexual activity. , 1980, Science.

[18]  Mitchel Resnick,et al.  Beyond the centralized mindset-explorations in massively-parallel microworlds , 1992 .

[19]  Path analysis: A model for the development of scientific reasoning abilities in adolescents , 1989 .

[20]  Dennis L. Meadows,et al.  Toward Global Equilibrium: Collected Papers , 1973 .

[21]  Erik De Corte,et al.  Learning and Instruction: European Research in an International Context: Volume 1 , 1987 .

[22]  Alan N. Rudnitsky,et al.  Children's strategies for discovering cause‐effect relationships , 1986 .

[23]  I. V. Blauberg,et al.  Systems theory : philosophical and methodological problems , 1977 .

[24]  J. Lopreato,et al.  General system theory : foundations, development, applications , 1970 .

[25]  P. Senge.  The fifth discipline : the art and practice of the learning organization/ Peter M. Senge , 1991 .

[26]  A. J. Lotka.  Elements of mathematical biology , 1956 .

[27]  D. Meadows,et al.  Beyond the limits: confronting global collapse envisioning a sustainable future. , 1992 .

[28]  Nancy Roberts.  Teaching Dynamic Feedback Systems Thinking: An Elementary View , 1978 .

[29]  E. Schrödinger.  What Is Life , 1946 .

[30]  S. Carey.  Cognitive science and science education. , 1986 .

[31]  John N. Warfield,et al.  World dynamics , 1973 .

[32]  Richard L. Venezky,et al.  The subtle danger: Reflections on the literacy abilities of America's young adults , 1987 .

[33]  Rodger W. Bybee,et al.  Science education and the science-technology-society (S-T-S) theme , 1987 .

[34]  D. Meadows.  Dynamics of Growth in a Finite World , 1974 .

[35]  Ervin Laszlo,et al.  Introduction to Systems Philosophy - Toward a New Paradigm of Contemporary Thought , 1972 .

[36]  R. Yager.  A New Focus for School Science: S/T/S , 1988 .

[37]  Leonard J. Garigliano.  SCIS: Children's Understanding of the Systems Concept , 1975 .

[38]  A. Caramazza,et al.  Curvilinear motion in the absence of external forces: naive beliefs about the motion of objects. , 1980, Science.

[39]  S. Graubard,et al.  Literacy : an overview by fourteen experts , 1991 .

[40]  N Roberts,et al.  Introduction to Computer Simulation—A System Dynamics Modeling Approach , 1994 .

[41]  Archie Wayne Bennett,et al.  Introduction to Computer Simulation , 1974 .

[42]  C. E. SHANNON,et al.  A mathematical theory of communication , 1948, MOCO.

[43]  J. Goody.  The Domestication of the Savage Mind , 1982 .

[44]  Albert Pilot,et al.  Linking factual and procedural knowledge in solving science problems: A case study in a thermodynamics course , 1981 .

[45]  Ellen B. Mandinach,et al.  The Systems Thinking and Curriculum Innovation Project. Technical Report, Part 2. , 1988 .

[46]  Mark Cantley.  Collected Papers of Jay W. Forrester , 1975 .

[47]  Eppen Gd,et al.  Bundling--new products, new markets, low risk. , 1991 .

[48]  J. Forrester.  Principles of systems : text and workbook, chapters 1 through 10 , 1968 .

[49]  John E. S. Lawrence.  Literacy and Human Resources Development: An Integrated Approach , 1992 .

[50]  L. Resnick,et al.  Mathematics and Science Learning: A New Conception , 1983, Science.

[51]  Marlo Steed,et al.  Stella, a simulation construction kit: cognitive process and educational implications , 1992 .

[52]  D. Meadows,et al.  The Limits to Growth , 1972 .

[53]  Lauren B. Resnick,et al.  Instruction and the cultivation of thinking. , 1987 .

[54]  Peter Senge,et al.  Recapturing the Spirit of Learning through a Systems Approach. , 1991 .