This dissertation applies dynamic systems theory to conceptualizing an alternative approach to educational planning. Four decades of educational planning endeavors have spawned a plethora of literature critical of the results, intentions, and knowledge base of educational planning. Much of the debate has concentrated on methodological issues ignoring the underlying theoretical knowledge base itself of social systems as orderly, predictable systems in which change basically follows the laws of linearity. Educational planning in the form of the expansion of schooling as a vector for economic growth has been largely based on such an equilibrium system model. This model, however, fails to consider three crucial factors: (1) the dynamic, nonlinear system behavior in a far-from-equilibrium system; (2) change resulting from nonlinear feedback relationships; and (3) the range of possible behaviors possible in dynamic far-from-equilibrium systems under turbulent environmental conditions. / Dynamic systems concepts such as systems as open, complex, and far-from-equilibrium; the environment as turbulent; system behavior as dynamic; and change as unpredictable, provide an alternative knowledge base for conceptualizing the educational system as a dynamic. Together they have theoretical implications for how one might approach educational planning differently. The application of dynamic systems theory to educational systems and educational planning suggest a consideration of the educational system as an ecological whole; an examination of the feedback dynamic underlying change; a search for local variability within global boundaries, i.e. a structured pattern of chaos; and a consideration of iterating organizing principles in planning. / Applied strategic planning is found to be consistent with this approach and presents a holistic process to planning by incorporating both internal system elements and the environment. It incorporates both the self-reflective quality of positive feedback to change and grow, as well as the restraining quality of negative feedback to set limits. In response to increased complexities and uncertainty in the environment, strategic planning is a proactive process for both visualizing change and a tool for creating that vision of change. It is also an ongoing process whereby the plan itself is not the end, but the beginning in an iterative process of planning system change. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 52-10, Section: A, page: 3484. / Major Professor: Sydney R. Grant. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1991.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_76500 |
| Contributors | Chieuw, Juliet Sue Fun., Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text |
| Format | 170 p. |
| Rights | On campus use only. |
| Relation | Dissertation Abstracts International |
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