Systems Thinking and Change: A Section Introduction

Abstract

This 15 chapter section in the major reference work marks a shift and the evolution in thinking about systems in education as the first compilation on education Systems Thinking and Change by scholars. Education graduate students, education professors, and researchers can use these chapters in the major reference works to explore, to teach, and to learn the newest theory and applications of systems thinking in education contexts. First, this Introduction offers a high-level history and analysis of systems thinking, theory, and systemic change for new and seasoned scholars. Most encouraging from these 15 chapters is an overall shift toward knowing education systems as nonlinear, open, and complex relational ecosystems that can exist or replace traditionally bureaucratic, closed, institutionalized ways of knowing. Learning environment designers will also notice a design gaze extending beyond classroom learning to learning in much larger, interconnected ecosystems. These authors also promote the notion that contemporary education ecosystems are unstable (and wonderful), leaving further behind the notion that systems thinking is about applying systems theory to regain or achieve organization equilibrium. The section “Systems Thinking and Change” is organized into three subsections: (1) the first five chapters explore new systems thinking theories for educators; (2) the next five chapters demonstrate systems thinking frameworks for leading change; and (3) the final five chapters demonstrate systems thinking applications and research in university, K-12, industry, and government settings.