Ecological/System TheoryAn Emerging Approach to Education

Theory: What’s the big deal? Theory shapes how we understand,

what we understand, and, consequently, how we solve (or fail to solve) problems.

Why I use this approach I am interested in applying systems

principles to schooling and educational problems.

Innovation: Learning to think about ideas and problems systemically.

Why Ecological Thinking? Problem of Reductionism: Just looking

at one thing at a time. Ecological Thinking requires that we

look at issues in terms of context, relatedness, and connections.

System Theory and Science This is scientific, in that the usual rules

of science apply. The shift is a matter of focus: Instead of

looking at parts, we look at how those parts affect and are affected by other parts. Relationships and context are very important.

System: A Definition Complex of interacting elements. Open to, and interact with their

environment. Acquire qualitatively properties new

through emergence. Constantly evolving.

From Bertalanffy’s (1976) General Systems Theory

Application

Each of these things have an effect on

children in schools, the schools themselves, etc.

It is very important to understand that these

relationships are always changing.

Bronfenbrenner’s Model.

Implications for Education Rethinking the purposes of education. Rethinking educational problems. Rethinking the curriculum. (Re)thinking power.

What are the purposes of education?

What problems do we face in education today?

What have you liked/disliked about your education so far? Do you feel empowered by your education?

Politics and education How is educating someone a political

act?

What we’re up against: Culture devoid of meaning. The media. Decline of communities.

Consumerism The idea that problems can be solved

through material means, (i.e., buy stuff) Problem this creates: A vicious cycle.

Other Implications: Opens the possibility of using insights

from both liberal and conservative perspectives.

Provides some synthesis of disparate theoretical orientations.