Education as a subversive activity: a proposal

Kybernetes ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 43 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 1392-1398
Author(s):  
Larry Richards
Keyword(s):  
Educational System ◽  
Current System ◽  
Educational Systems ◽  
Icosahedral Structure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
System A ◽  
Economic Organizations ◽  
Educational Literature ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Education Design

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a case for a change of educational system, rather than a change in the current system. A rudimentary framework for an alternative educational system is proposed. Design/methodology/approach – Cybernetic and educational literature supports an alternative approach to education. Design principles are identified for an alternative system. Findings – For the desirable integration of curricular and pedagogical principles to be realized in an educational system, a non-hierarchical organizational structure is required. The icosahedral structure that embeds Stafford Beer's syntegration process provides such a default structure. Such a structure would be subversive in the current society. Social implications – The implementation of the proposed system of schools could transform society by offering an alternative way of thinking about the structure of organizations like schools, as well as political and economic organizations. In so doing, fully participative democratic processes could be realized and sustained. Originality/value – The use of the icosahedral structure as a framework for creating a system of schools world-wide is new and has value for anyone contemplating alternative educational systems.

scholarly journals Brazil and China: towards a mass and universal educational system

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Danilo de Melo Costa
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Educational System ◽  
Qualitative Method ◽  
Student Leadership ◽  
Mass System ◽  
Universal System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
System A ◽  
Pass Through

PurposeChina has invested massively in higher education, reaching a mass system, envisaging, as a next step, reaching a universal system. Brazil is still an elite system but needs to create adequate public policies to migrate to a mass system. The purpose of this article is to analyze the paradigms for a mass educational system, with regard to the quality of education offered, and the prospects for achieving a universal system, with Brazil and China as a reference.Design/methodology/approachThe author applied an exploratory and qualitative method, through categorical content analysis. The data were collected through nine interviews with government managers, 15 unstructured (open) questionnaires to specialists in higher education and four student leadership.FindingsThe results indicate that the change from an elite system to a mass system impacts quality, as there is an inevitable change in experience. However, this modification does not testify against the mass system, as it is necessary for a nation to pass through it and structure itself adequately in order to reach the universal system, a path desired by both countries.Originality/valueThe study presented the reflections observed by the migration from the elite system to the mass system from the main stakeholders of the system in China and the prospects for Brazil to become a mass system. Additionally, it presented the perspectives for both countries to achieve the desired universal system.

Developing learning abilities through flexible teaching strategies

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 336-343
Author(s):  
Anca Georgiana Simion ◽  
Olga Chis
Keyword(s):  
Educational System ◽  
Educational Outcomes ◽  
Educational Software ◽  
National Curriculum ◽  
Educational Systems ◽  
Continuous Training ◽  
Learning Abilities ◽  
System A ◽  
The Social ◽  
Current Curriculum

The national Romanian curriculum challenges practitioners to apply it through educational and structured activities so as not to delineate the structure indicated by the national curriculum. Due to a common dialogue with other educational systems, the current Romanian educational system addresses at the micro-pedagogical level educational practices specific to other educational systems. The Finnish educational system manages to effectively combine current curriculum structures, the social vision based on trust and the implementation of educational software. This triad of components provides Finnish practitioners and foreign practitioners with the Finnish educational system, a design of educational activities validated by the educational outcomes. We wanted to discover the Romanian teachers' vision of the opportunities of the Finnish education system, as well as finding out about the continuous training of teachers in the national educational system. Keywords: Romanian curriculum, Finnish educational system, cooperation, curriculum implementation.

The Impact of Political Transition on Ghana’s Educational System. A Case Study of the 4th Republic

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Owusu-Kwarteng ◽  
Prince Opoku ◽  
Gershon Dagba ◽  
Mark Amankwa
Keyword(s):  
Educational System ◽  
Political Transition ◽  
System A ◽  
The Impact

Rethinking the notion of the high-performing education system: A Daoist response

2021 ◽  
pp. 174549992098369
Author(s):  
Charlene Tan
Keyword(s):  
Education System ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Alternative Interpretation ◽  
Educational Systems ◽  
Education Systems ◽  
High Performing ◽  
Mutual Learning ◽  
System A ◽  
High Performers ◽  
Major Implication

This article challenges the dominant notion of the ‘high-performing education system’ and offers an alternative interpretation from a Daoist perspective. The paper highlights two salient characteristics of such a system: its ability to outperform other education systems in international large-scale assessments; and its status as a positive or negative ‘reference society’. It is contended that external standards are applied and imposed on educational systems across the globe, judging a system to be high- or low- performing, and consequently worthy of emulation or deserving of criticism. Three cardinal Daoist principles that are drawn from the Zhuangzi are expounded: a rejection of an external and oppressive dao (way); the emptying of one’s heart-mind; and an ethics of difference. A major implication is a celebration of a plurality of high performers and reference societies, each unique in its own dao but converging on mutual learning and appreciation.

Numerical analysis of the shear strength of circular reinforced concrete columns subjected to cyclic lateral loads using linear genetic programming

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (7) ◽  
pp. 2517-2537
Author(s):  
Mostafa Rezvani Sharif ◽  
Seyed Mohammad Reza Sadri Tabaei Zavareh
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Modeling ◽  
Shear Strength ◽  
Reinforced Concrete ◽  
Numerical Analysis ◽  
Genetic Programming ◽  
Linear Genetic Programming ◽  
Rc Columns ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Engineering Problems

Purpose The shear strength of reinforced concrete (RC) columns under cyclic lateral loading is a crucial concern, particularly, in the seismic design of RC structures. Considering the costly procedure of testing methods for measuring the real value of the shear strength factor and the existence of several parameters impacting the system behavior, numerical modeling techniques have been very much appreciated by engineers and researchers. This study aims to propose a new model for estimation of the shear strength of cyclically loaded circular RC columns through a robust computational intelligence approach, namely, linear genetic programming (LGP). Design/methodology/approach LGP is a data-driven self-adaptive algorithm recently used for classification, pattern recognition and numerical modeling of engineering problems. A reliable database consisting of 64 experimental data is collected for the development of shear strength LGP models here. The obtained models are evaluated from both engineering and accuracy perspectives by means of several indicators and supplementary studies and the optimal model is presented for further purposes. Additionally, the capability of LGP is examined to be used as an alternative approach for the numerical analysis of engineering problems. Findings A new predictive model is proposed for the estimation of the shear strength of cyclically loaded circular RC columns using the LGP approach. To demonstrate the capability of the proposed model, the analysis results are compared to those obtained by some well-known models recommended in the existing literature. The results confirm the potential of the LGP approach for numerical analysis of engineering problems in addition to the fact that the obtained LGP model outperforms existing models in estimation and predictability. Originality/value This paper mainly represents the capability of the LGP approach as a robust alternative approach among existing analytical and numerical methods for modeling and analysis of relevant engineering approximation and estimation problems. The authors are confident that the shear strength model proposed can be used for design and pre-design aims. The authors also declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Responses of Arab teachers of Hebrew in Israel to an Israeli novel on Jewish-Arab relations

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Shai Rudin
Keyword(s):  
Boarding School ◽  
Educational Systems ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reading Experience ◽  
Political Views ◽  
Arab Students ◽  
Complex Integration ◽  
Education College ◽  
Arab Sector

Purpose This study aims to examine the responses and perceptions of Israeli Arab teachers toward multicultural and educational issues concerning Jewish–Arab relations. Design/methodology/approach This study is a qualitative research. The study included 44 novice Arab teachers, who teach Hebrew in the Arab sector and are currently studying toward their masters’ degree at a teacher education college in northern Israel. The teachers were asked to read the novel Nadia by Galila Ron Feder–Amit. Published in 1985, the novel describes the complex integration of Nadia, an Arab village girl, into a Jewish boarding school, and it is narrated in first person. After having read the novel, the teachers were requested to answer the writing task, which addressed the character of the protagonist, the issue of teaching the novel in the Jewish and Arabic educational systems and the anticipated responses of Jewish and Arab students to the novel. Findings Phenomenological analysis of the teachers’ responses found that the reading experience was complex and resulted in a variety of responses toward the protagonist. Some were based on identification and appreciation, while others on criticism and judgment of the heroine’s restraint vis-a-vis the racism that she was experiencing. However, most of the teachers demonstrated moral courage and thought that the novel should be taught, as they viewed it as a bridge leading to understanding between the two nations. The teachers anticipated conflicting responses of Jewish and Arab students to the novel, according to the students’ political views and values. Practical implications These findings indicate that the educational system should include political texts relating to the Jewish–Arab schism, especially texts that voice the Palestinian narrative. This view differs from the current situation in both sectors, whereby the tendency is to avoid political texts while ignoring the Palestinian narrative. Originality/value The study shows that the reading experience of a political novel affords various and often contrasting responses with the teachers facing the didactic challenges. The teachers who participated in the study anticipated complexity of the reading and teaching process, yet were not deterred by it, particularly in view of the novel’s messages – striving to understand the “other” and to bridge a discourse between the nations.

Professionals freaking out: the case of accreditation in Dutch higher education

2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 473-485 ◽  
Author(s):  
Everard van Kemenade ◽  
Teun W. Hardjono
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Iso 9000 ◽  
Preliminary Survey ◽  
External Evaluation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Evaluation Systems ◽  
System A ◽  
Engineering And Technology ◽  
Insight Into

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to define what factors cause willingness and/or resistance among lecturers in universities towards external evaluation systems, especially accreditation.Design/methodology/approachA model has been designed to describe possible factors of willingness and/or resistance towards accreditation based on Ajzen and Metselaar. A literature review has been undertaken on the effects of external evaluation like ISO 9000 as well as accreditation systems such as Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology and European Quality Improvement System. A questionnaire has been administered to a group of 63 lecturers from three departments at Fontys University in The Netherlands. The results of this preliminary survey have been presented to 1,500 academics in The Netherlands and Flanders to collect empirical data.FindingsResistance to accreditation can be found in the consequences of accreditation for the work of the lecturer (workload), negative emotions (stress and insecurity); the lack of knowledge and experience (help from specialists is needed); and lack of acceptance (other paradigm).Originality/valueThe paper provides more insight into the difficulties that organizations, especially universities, have to commit their employees to external evaluation. It might be possible to generalize the findings to other professionals in other organizations. Little research in this field has been undertaken so far.

scholarly journals Creating products in the absence of markets: a robust design approach

2008 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 407-420 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philippe Silberzahn ◽  
Christophe Midler
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Product Design ◽  
Robust Design ◽  
Practical Implication ◽  
Collaborative Work ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Exploration Process ◽  
Strategic Process ◽  
Alternative Approach

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine how firms deal with a situation of true uncertainty about their potential markets and technologies. Specifically, it asks how firms can create products when the corresponding market does not exist.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on a longitudinal study of a high‐tech firm, combined with analysis of existing theory in product design and entrepreneurship.FindingsMarkets and products are usually a defining choice made early on by firms in their strategic process. Such a choice guides their development by providing a “stable concept” to which decisions can be related. When markets do not exist yet, however, this approach is not effective. Early choice of products and markets limits firms' flexibility by constraining their ability and willingness to adapt, while fundamental new technical and market information is likely to emerge during the project that will prove the initial assumptions wrong. The paper shows an alternative approach where products and markets actually result from a generic process of products and markets exploration driven by the firm. It is suggested that this approach forms a robust design in that it allows the firm to deal with the uncertainty by simultaneously developing its products and exploring markets, while preserving the flexibility to adapt to the changing environment.Practical implicationsThe practical implication of this paper is to suggest an alternative approach to deliberate planning in high‐tech ventures. With this approach, rather than markets and products, strategy defines a market and technology exploration process.Originality/valueThe paper is original in three ways. It links the product design and market exploration processes in high‐tech firm development; it is based on an in‐depth longitudinal study; and it results from an academic‐practitioner collaborative work.

scholarly journals Restoration of Bioactive Lantibiotic Suicin from a RemnantlanLocus of Pathogenic Streptococcus suis Serotype 2

2013 ◽  
Vol 80 (3) ◽  
pp. 1062-1071 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian Wang ◽  
Yong Gao ◽  
Kunling Teng ◽  
Jie Zhang ◽  
Shutao Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Promoter ◽  
Streptococcus Suis ◽  
Gene Clusters ◽  
Disulfide Bridge ◽  
Gram Positive ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Gram Positive Bacteria ◽  
System A ◽  
Bactericidal Activities

ABSTRACTLantibiotics are ribosomally synthesized, posttranslationally modified antimicrobial peptides. Their biosynthesis genes are usually organized in gene clusters, which are mainly found in Gram-positive bacteria, including pathogenic streptococci. Three highly virulentStreptococcus suisserotype 2 strains (98HAH33, 05ZYH33, and SC84) have been shown to contain an 89K pathogenicity island. Here, on these islands, we unveiled and reannotated a putative lantibiotic locus designatedsuiwhich contains a virulence-associated two-component regulator,suiK-suiR. In silicoanalysis revealed that the putative lantibiotic modification genesuiMwas interrupted by a 7.9-kb integron and that other biosynthesis-related genes contained various frameshift mutations. By reconstituting the intactsuiMinEscherichia colitogether with a semi-in vitrobiosynthesis system, a putative lantibiotic named suicin was produced with bactericidal activities against a variety of Gram-positive strains, including pathogenic streptococci and vancomycin-resistant enterococci. Ring topology dissection indicated that the 34-amino-acid lantibiotic contained two methyllanthionine residues and one disulfide bridge, which render suicin in an N-terminal linear and C-terminal globular shape. To confirm the function ofsuiK-suiR, SuiR was overexpressed and purified.In vitroanalysis showed that SuiR could specifically bind to thesuiAgene promoter. Its coexpression withsuiKcould activatesuiAgene promoter inLactococcus lactisNZ9000. Conclusively, we obtained a novel lantibiotic suicin by restoring its production from the remnantsuilocus and demonstrated that virulence-associated SuiK-SuiR regulates its production.

Measuring tourism success: alternative considerations

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Butler
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
National Level ◽  
Major Change ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Economic Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Indicators Of Success ◽  
Local Levels ◽  
Economic Criteria

PurposeThe study aims to explore the possibility of redefining success in tourism and measuring such a phenomenon by considering alternatives to economic factors, and to identify the ways such measurement could be implemented.Design/methodology/approachThe study reviews and explains current approaches to defining and measuring success in tourism in the literature, followed by identification of alternative factors which could be measured and the implications of such a change in approach.FindingsThere has been a long-standing emphasis and priority placed on measuring tourism at the national level with a focus on economic criteria, and this has been followed at regional and local levels. The result has been that success has become equated with volume, supporting the aim of continued growth in tourism. Such an approach and attitude mitigate against achieving or moving towards sustainability, and other measures are needed to avoid problems such as overtourism.Originality/valueThere has been little discussion of moving to a wider range of indicators of success in tourism, and the previous focus has been on economic criteria and competitiveness as shown by tourist numbers. This paper presents a discussion of an alternative approach, showing that tourism stakeholders from national to local levels need to redefine success as including factors such as community and environmental well-being and focus on a wider concept of success. Using existing data and organisations would enable measuring such concepts to be done without major change or greatly increased costs to agencies.

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