There is increasing attention on evidencing research impact and applying a systems thinking perspective in public health. However, there is limited understanding of the extent to which and how public health research that applies a systems thinking perspective contributes to changes in system behaviour and improved population health outcomes. This…

Deploying systems-theoretical conceptuality, this paper improves understanding of the organisational consequences of the intensified societal engagement of a research university. Aligning its work with Luhmannian organisational analysis, it addresses the dynamic interplay between two modes of administrative decision-making communication, namely,…

In contemporary methodological thinking, replication holds a central place. However, relatively little attention has been paid to replication in the context of complex dynamic systems theory (CDST), perhaps due to uncertainty regarding the epistemology-methodology match between these domains. In this paper, we explore the place of replication in…

The complexity of modern societies necessitates that children learn highly abstract material, such as mathematics, which often conflicts with behavioral goals that are innately motivating. For instance, children's educational success is generally evaluated based on their individual achievements, while humans are motivated to learn by engaging in…

Background: Complexity theory (CT) has been used in response to the need for a different mindset than the classical engineering paradigm. The engineering education research (EER) community may benefit from the knowledge of how CT has been used in the field. Purpose: Aiming to provide a broad view of CT in EER, the following research questions…

Purpose: As the skills economy becomes the norm, learning focused on skills, learners who understand those skills and can iterate the learners to potential employers, and hiring personnel who prioritize skills when making personnel decisions create a visible currency that can be leveraged by all the stakeholders. This paper seeks to analyze those…

Contemporary US and European approaches to ecosystems and mental health have left many feeling disempowered in the face of the climate crisis. This article advocates for holistic approaches to supporting natural complex systems with contemplation and care. It explores how environmental metaphors and nature-based art therapy can foster human-nature…

Proposal writing is an essential requirement for making progress in academics. Learning this skill necessitates support from a mentor to cultivate effective habits. It entails effective strategies from graduate students, such as literature reading and using online tools. Additionally, they must develop an understanding of resource accountability,…

This article revisits complex dynamic systems theory (CDST) and provides a new synthesis that, the authors argue, may empower language teachers. The particular focus is on the interplay between change and stability in complex dynamic systems, including language teaching and learning. The article identifies four key dynamical properties of complex…

This study investigates the applicability of the system theory framework (STF) to Korean university students with regard to their career development and counseling. The STF-based career group program content consists of MSCI (My System of Career Influences) and MCC (My Career Chapter), and is conducted over ten sessions for two groups of college…

Collaborative problem solving (CPS) enables student groups to complete learning tasks, construct knowledge, and solve problems. Previous research has argued the importance of examining the complexity of CPS, including its multimodality, dynamics, and synergy from the complex adaptive systems perspective. However, there is limited empirical…

This study investigated how pre-service biology teachers perceived the concepts of 'system' -- as the basic component of the systems thinking approach -- and 'biological system' specific to biology. The most important characteristics of a system appear as elements, interactions, interconnections, hierarchy, purpose and forming a whole. The data of…

Collective impact (CI) is a structured approach that helps drive multi-sector collaborations to address social problems through systems changes. While the CI approach is gaining popularity, practitioners experience challenges in evaluating its implementation and intended outcomes. We conducted a systematic scoping review to understand evaluation…

Amid persistent systemic racism, society is interested in changing education systems toward racial equity. Education law and policy play a critical role in these efforts. Given this context, we conducted a systematic review to examine the use of critical systems thinking (CST) in education, a tradition that can aid researchers studying education…

The challenges state education agencies (SEAs) must address are exceedingly complex, requiring sophisticated levels of thinking and problem-solving as well as the ability to leverage disparate points of view in finding impactful solutions. These challenges are technical, requiring specific and known solutions to achieve desired results. To provide…