Education as a Complex System: Conceptual and Methodological Implications

Education is a complex system, which has conceptual and methodological implications for education research and policy. In this article, an overview is first provided of the Complex Systems Conceptual Framework for Learning (CSCFL), which consists of a set of conceptual perspectives that are generally shared by educational complex systems, organized into two focus areas: collective behaviors of a system, and behaviors of individual agents in a system. Complexity and research methodologies for education are then considered, and it is observed that commonly used quantitative and qualitative techniques are generally appropriate for studying linear dynamics of educational systems. However, it is proposed that computational modeling approaches, being extensively used for studying nonlinear characteristics of complex systems in other fields, can provide a methodological complement to quantitative and qualitative education research approaches. Two research case studies of this approach are discussed. We conclude with a consideration of how viewing education as a complex system using complex systems’ conceptual and methodological tools can help advance education research and also inform policy

Teacher education pedagogies and methodological constructs: or about different ways to approach teacher education

This paper plots the methodological constructs identified in different teacher education pedagogies deployed in teacher education settings of Higher Education Institutes in the province of Catamarca. The focus is on showcasing how future teachers are aided -from the methodological constructs of mentors- to make pedagogical decisions and broaden their potential for action during the educational path. The research was conducted from a qualitative approach. Three Higher Education Institutes representing different socio-cultural contexts and educational traditions were selected on the assumption that distinct pedagogies would be found; not only structured on the basis of stereotypical training, but also on the specificity of the disciplinary field. Seventeen semi-structured interviews were carried out and were accompanied by classroom observation of teacher educators in different areas, from distinct disciplinary backgrounds and varied seniority. The qualitative analysis of the data enabled the reconstruction of three typologies that explain the modes in which teacher education is pedagogically configured in the institutes under study as well as the dominant methodological construct that sets up each pedagogical approach. Thus, the pedagogy of ‘modeling’ teaching is based on methodological constructs based on the transmission of disciplinary contents and the instilment of behavior patterns; the ‘traditional’ view is built on methodological constructs elaborated on the basis of disciplinary logic; and the ‘eclectic’ approach is materialized in methodological constructs based on the synthesis of heterogeneous components or constructions grounded on pedagogical abstention.Fil: Diaz, Ana Griselda. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencia de Catamarca. Universidad Nacional de Catamarca. Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencia de Catamarca; ArgentinaFil: Yuni, Jose Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencia de Catamarca. Universidad Nacional de Catamarca. Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencia de Catamarca; Argentin

The impact of positive doctor role modelling

Background: Role modeling has been highlighted as an important teaching and learning strategy. The aim of this research study was to explore the influences and impact of positive doctor role modelling in twenty-first century medical education. Methods: This study was part of a larger study investigating the process of positive doctor role modeling in medical education. This study used focus group interviews with 52 medical students, semi-structured interviews with 25 consultants and interviews after clinics with five consultants and five medical students. A qualitative methodology using the grounded theory approach of Strauss and Corbin was then used to explore the impact of modeling in medical education. Results: Three main outcomes of role modeling were identified – the development of professional behaviors, the development of professional identity, and the shaping of career aspirations. Conclusion: This study illustrates the powerful, often subconscious impact of doctor role modeling in medical education. This research illustrates that role models are critically important in the professional development, character development, and career development of the modelees. In this way, role modeling effectively enhances the transformation of the student to a doctor

Using reflections to explore student learning during the project component of an advanced laboratory course

We redesigned an advanced physics laboratory course to include a project component. The intention was to address learning outcomes such as modeling, design of experiments, teamwork, and developing technical skills in using apparatus and analyzing data. The course included experimental labs in preparation for a six-week team project in which students designed and implemented a research experiment. The final assignment given to students was a reflective essay, which asked students to discuss their learning and satisfaction in doing the project. Qualitative analysis of the students' reflections showed that the majority of the students reported satisfaction and achievement, functional team dynamics, learning outcomes unique to this experience, practicing modeling skills, and potential future improvements. We suggest that reflections are useful as support for student learning as well as in guiding curricular improvements. Our findings may be useful for other course redesign initiatives incorporating project-based learning and student reflections.Comment: This work was presented at the Physics Education Research Conference held in Washington DC. from August 1-2, 201

Modeling In Early Childhood Education: A Contribution to The Integral Development of the Child

This writing deals with Modeling in the conception of Mathematics Education and has as its guiding question What elements of the Modeling tasks make it possible to contribute to the development of children in Early Childhood Education The objective is to explain the principles and constituent stages of the Modeling tasks that contribute to the child s development based on the analysis of 3 three dissertations supervised by Burak or authors who follow his assumptions Initially Higginson s conception and Mathematics Education 1980 and the conception of Modeling in Mathematics Education proposed by Burak 1992 are clarified This is qualitative bibliographic research As a result of the analyzes and descriptions of the dissertations it can be pointed out that the fact of making children the protagonist of their learning is a differential allows the child to act in an active complex way analyzing synthesizing information formulating hypotheses to explain the problem raised in addition to significantly favoring the development of fine and gross or broad motor coordination in expanding vocabulary in oral language in the form of expression of children and notably in self-confidence Modeling in the conception of Mathematics Education has a strong potential to constitute a new rationality in the teaching process in the scope of Early Childhood Educatio

Semantic enrichment of models in DynaLearn learning enviroment

In this work we present our contribution to the DynaLearn learning environment. DynaLearn is an interactive modeling tool for education based on the "learning by modeling" approach. DynaLearn allows students to build Qualitative Reasoning (QR) models to formally represent a domain of their interest. This process helps the students to get a better understanding of the domain and to predict the behavior of the modeled system in view of the possible changes

Get the Most from Your Survey: An Application of Rasch Analysis for Education Leaders

High-quality measurement tools are critical to school improvement efforts. Education researchers frequently employ surveys in order to assess a host of variables associated with school improvement. This article asserts that Rasch modeling techniques enhance the quality of a measurement tool because they comprise elements of both qualitative and quantitative research approaches, and because Rasch modeling corrects the erroneous conclusions that result from the errors associated with ordinal response scale data. This article illustrates, with specific attention to the needs of education leaders and researchers, how the Rasch measurement model gauges the usefulness of survey instruments. This study illustrates the benefits of Rasch modeling using the scale that measures teacher external political efficacy (TEPE). Findings show that a set of four items captures this domain well

Implementasi Pendidikan Karakter Melalui Kultur Sekolah Di SMP N 14 YOGYAKARTA

: This research aimed to describe various strategies taken by the school in implementing character education through school culture at SMP N 14 Yogyakarta. This research is a descriptive research study using a qualitative approach. This research was conducted at SMP N 14 Yogyakarta, with the subjects consisting of the students and teachers. The data were collected by observation, interview, and documentation. The data validity was checked by a triangulation technique. The research results showed that school culture was an important aspect needing close attention in the process of internalizing character values at school. A number of strategies in implementing character education were, among others, routine activities, spontaneous activities, role-modeling, teaching, and strengthening the school environment. The efforts of implementing character education were inseparable from the role modeling of the school principal, teachers, administrative staff, and students who sinergized each other in creating a positive school culture.

Eco-pesantren modeling for environmentally friendly behavior: new lessons from Indonesia

Pesantren or Islamic boarding school plays a vital and strategic role in improving environmentally sound education. Eco-pesantren is a movement that puts a high concern for the environment. This study aimed to analyze eco-pesantren modeling techniques in education. It is a case study with a qualitative research method. The research was conducted at Islamic Boarding School Sumber Mental Agama Allah (SPMAA), Turi Lamongan, East Java, Indonesia. Data were collected by observation, interviews, questionnaires, and document studies. This research concluded that modeling techniques can at least be pursued in four main ways: the individual role model of pesantren leaders; infrastructure and their use; governance systems; and culture or traditions. Besides, using integrated modeling techniques at both school and pesantren culture can increase insight and application of environmentally friendly behavior through a direct observation and habituation of healthy educational practices. Modeling can help students turn abstract ideas of green life into actual implementations. Direct observation of continuous practices equips students with the knowledge required to perform expected behaviors. Research on modeling assists eco-pesantren institutions encourage learning and practices about healthy environment. In the global context, it can be a role model for the implementation of environmentally friendly education that promotes environmentally sound learning

PENERAPAN STRATEGI PEMBELAJARAN CONTEXTAL TEACHING AND LEARNING DALAM PENDIDIKAN AGAMA ISLAM DI SMK NEGERI 2 TUREN KABUPATEN MALANG

Contextual Teaching and Learning Learning Strategy is a learning strategy thatt emphasizes students to be involved directly and actively that is able to connect the knowledge possessed with material in the learning process and can apply it in everyday life. The process of Islamic religious education tends to use lecture and question and answer methods so that it does not make students active in the learning process and lacks understanding of the material and less motivates students in learning Islamic religious education. For that contextual teaching and learning learning strategies really help develop learning motivation etc. student learning outcomes. Researchers carry out research related to the application of contextual teaching and learning learning strategies in Islamic Religious Education. The focus of the research relates to the application of strategy, supporting and inhibiting factors for implementing the strategy, and the impact of implementing the strategy. Researchers used a qualitative approach to the type of descriptive qualitative research. Data collection techniques using observation, interviews, and documentation. In its application the teacher performs according to contextual teaching and learning by involving seven main components of effective learning, namely: constructivism, asking questions, finding (inquiry), learning communities (learning comunity), modeling (modeling), reflection (reflection), and research actually (authentic assessment). Kata Kunci: Strategi Pembelajaran, Pembelajaran Contextual Teaching and Learning, Pendidikan Agama Islam