Overview of General Systems Theory Recording #3
Summary
TLDRKelly Alvarado's PowerPoint presentation offers an insightful overview of General Systems Theory (GST), emphasizing its holistic approach to understanding interconnected systems. The presentation delves into the life and contributions of Ludwig von Bertalanffy, the theory's foundational concepts like open and closed systems, feedback loops, and dynamic equilibrium, and its application in higher education. It also addresses criticisms and explores how GST fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and shared governance in educational settings.
Takeaways
- 📚 General Systems Theory (GST) is a conceptual framework that emphasizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of all elements within a system.
- 🌟 Ludwig von Bertalanffy, the biologist and philosopher, is credited with developing GST, advocating for a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to understanding complex systems.
- 🔁 Open systems are a core concept of GST, characterized by their interaction with the environment, transformation of inputs into outputs, and the use of feedback loops for self-regulation.
- 🔄 Closed systems, in contrast to open systems, are self-contained and do not exchange matter or energy with their environment, focusing solely on internal processes.
- 🔁 Feedback loops are essential in GST, with negative feedback aiming to correct deviations and maintain stability, while positive feedback amplifies changes leading to growth or decline.
- 🔗 Interdependence and relationships are key in GST, highlighting the need for communication and coordination among subsystems to achieve common goals.
- 🌱 Dynamic equilibrium and homeostasis are states where a system maintains stability or a balance between variables despite ongoing changes.
- ⚠️ Criticisms of GST include the challenge of achieving true interdependence among personnel and the influence of external environmental factors on system structure and function.
- 🏫 Applications of GST in higher education include the instructor-centered versus learning-centered paradigms, promoting holistic learning and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- 🤝 The concept of shared governance in community colleges can be enhanced by adopting an open systems framework, encouraging subsystems to work together towards educational goals.
- 📧 The presentation concludes with an invitation for questions and further discussion, emphasizing the importance of ongoing dialogue in the application of GST.
Q & A
What is the main goal of the PowerPoint presentation by Kelly Alvarado?
-The main goal of the presentation is to help the audience understand the conceptual theory of General Systems Theory (GST), the author and his major contributions, and the application of the theory in today's world within higher education.
What is the key concept of General Systems Theory according to the quote in the presentation?
-The key concept is the interrelatedness of nature and the universe, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all things, which is central to the understanding of open systems in GST.
Who is Ludwig von Bertalanffy and what was his profession?
-Ludwig von Bertalanffy was a biologist, born on September 19, 1901, in Austria-Hungary, and he passed away on June 12, 1972, in Buffalo, New York. He believed in a holistic view of the world and the interdisciplinary thought of science.
What is the difference between open and closed systems in General Systems Theory?
-Open systems are influenced by the environment and transform inputs into outputs with the help of feedback loops. Closed systems, on the other hand, are self-perpetuating and do not receive outside energy or resources, focusing only on internal functions without considering environmental factors.
What are the two types of feedback loops mentioned in the presentation?
-The two types of feedback loops are negative feedback, which provides corrective action when things are not going well, and positive feedback, which amplifies the initial disturbance to improve outcomes.
How does the concept of interdependence in relationships relate to higher education according to General Systems Theory?
-Interdependence in relationships suggests that various departments and programs within higher education are interrelated subsystems that work together to achieve a common goal, requiring communication plans for the exchange of relevant information.
What is dynamic equilibrium and how can it be seen in higher education?
-Dynamic equilibrium exists when system components are in a state of change, but at least one variable stays within a specified range. In higher education, this can be seen in retention rates, where various departments work together to keep the rate within a certain range.
What is homeostasis and how is it related to higher education?
-Homeostasis is a condition of dynamic equilibrium between at least two system variables. In the context of higher education, it can refer to variables like retention and graduation rates, which are kept within a specific range by the coordinated efforts of various departments.
What are some criticisms of General Systems Theory mentioned in the presentation?
-Criticisms include the interdependence of personnel, which requires individuals to work together across disciplines, the effect of the environment on structure and function, and the challenge of nature versus nurture within an organization.
Can you provide an example of how General Systems Theory is applied in higher education?
-An example is the use of an interdisciplinary approach, such as a math and English class team-taught by a mathematician and an English faculty, which helps reduce department silos and extends resources for a more holistic learning experience.
What is the discussion board question posed in the presentation regarding higher education and open systems?
-The question asks how community college leaders can create an environment of shared governance using an open systems framework and whether subsystems can work interrelatedly towards a similar goal in higher education.
Outlines
📈 Introduction to General Systems Theory
Kelly Alvarado introduces a PowerPoint presentation on General Systems Theory (GST), aiming to explain the theory, its author Ludwig von Bertalanffy, his contributions, and the application of GST in higher education. The presentation outline includes an overview of GST, open and closed systems, feedback loops, interdependence, and dynamic equilibrium. It also addresses criticisms and current applications in higher education. A quote by von Bertalanffy emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things, a core concept in open systems theory. Bertalanffy, an Austrian biologist, advocated for a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to science, contrary to the compartmentalization of scientific fields.
🔄 Open and Closed Systems in GST
The presentation delves into the concept of open systems, which are influenced by their environment and transform inputs into outputs through a process involving subsystems and feedback. An example using the process of making and printing photos illustrates how an open system functions. In contrast, closed systems are self-sufficient and do not interact with their environment, focusing only on internal functions. The difference between open and closed systems is crucial for understanding how organizations adapt and evolve. Feedback loops, both negative and positive, are essential for systems to self-correct and improve, with examples provided from higher education, such as policy changes based on feedback and retention efforts for student groups.
🤝 Interdependence and Criticisms in GST
The theory of interdependence in GST, which emerged post-World War II, addresses the compartmentalization of science and advocates for a connection between scientific disciplines and organizational management. This is exemplified by the relationship between departments and programs within higher education, which are subsystems that work together towards a common goal. Dynamic equilibrium and homeostasis are discussed as states where system components change but maintain certain variables within a range, such as retention and graduation rates in higher education. Criticisms of GST include the challenge of interdependence among personnel and the influence of the environment on system structure and function, which can affect a system's ability to perform as planned.
🏛 Applications of GST in Higher Education
The application of GST in higher education is explored through two paradigms: the instruction paradigm, which views learning as cumulative and time-bound, and the learning paradigm, which sees learning as a continuous process. Examples such as service-learning and holistic learning are provided to illustrate how interdisciplinary approaches can break down departmental silos and extend resources. The benefits to students of such approaches are highlighted, including increased critical thinking and a broader understanding of subjects. The presentation concludes with a discussion board question about creating an environment of shared governance in community colleges using an open systems framework and the possibility of subsystems working interrelatedly towards similar goals.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡General Systems Theory (GST)
💡Ludwig von Bertalanffy
💡Open Systems
💡Feedback Loops
💡Interdependence and Relationships
💡Dynamic Equilibrium
💡Homeostasis
💡Criticisms of GST
💡Instruction Paradigm
💡Service-Learning
💡Interdisciplinary Learning
Highlights
Overview of General Systems Theory (GST) by Kelly Alvarado, focusing on its conceptual theory, author's contributions, and applications in higher education.
GST emphasizes the interrelatedness of nature and the universe, a key concept in open systems theory.
Ludwig von Bertalanffy, the biologist and philosopher, is the founder of GST, advocating for a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to science.
Open systems are influenced by the environment and transform inputs into outputs through subsystems and feedback loops.
Closed systems are self-perpetuating, without external energy or resource inputs, focusing solely on internal functions.
Feedback loops in GST are crucial for efficiency, with negative feedback correcting processes and positive feedback amplifying successful outcomes.
Interdependence and relationships in GST suggest a connection between scientific disciplines and organizational management.
Dynamic equilibrium and homeostasis in GST describe a state of change with at least one variable maintained within a specified range.
Criticisms of GST include the challenge of interdependence among personnel and the influence of the environment on system structure and function.
Application of GST in higher education includes the instructor versus learning paradigm, focusing on the creation of knowledge versus its accumulation.
Service-learning is an example of applying GST in education, combining classroom learning with practical experience in service organizations.
Holistic learning, combining multiple disciplines, is another GST application in education, promoting critical thinking and reducing departmental silos.
Interdisciplinary classes, such as math and English, exemplify GST by combining content expertise from different fields for a comprehensive understanding.
The discussion board question explores how community college leaders can create an environment of shared governance using an open systems framework.
The possibility of subsystems working interrelatedly towards a common goal in higher education is examined within the context of GST.
Kelly Alvarado invites questions and discussion via the CCL cohort 25 Facebook page or email, emphasizing community engagement in understanding GST.
References are provided for further exploration of GST, encouraging a deeper dive into the theory and its applications.
Transcripts
hi this is Kelly Alvarado the following
is PowerPoint presentation on the
overview of general Systems Theory also
known as GST my goal is to help you
understand the conceptual theory the
author and his major contributions and
application of that theory in today's
world within higher education
let's review the outline for today's
presentation we will go over
who Ludwig van Burt led naffy is
we'll do an overview of Systems Theory
which will include a review of open and
closed systems feedback loops
interdependence and relationships
dynamic equilibrium and homeostasis
we will look at the criticisms and
shortcomings of GST and
finally review current applications and
higher education
this quote will help frame the purpose
of general Systems Theory all things by
Immortal power near or far hiddenly to
each other ink dar that thou cans not
stir a flower without troubling a star
the quote talks about the
interrelatedness of nature and our
universe which is a key conceptual
theory of open Systems Theory
led
Lenna fee was born September 19th 1901
in austria-hungary he died June 12 in
1972 in Buffalo New York his profession
was as a biologist and he truly thought
that science and philosophy was about
synthesis in organizations and
organizing rational natural and open
systems perspective by Scott and Davis
Burton lanten a fee wasn't
concerned about the growing
compartmentalization of science he
believed in a truly holistic view of the
world and the interdisciplinary thought
of science
now let's begin the general Systems
Theory overview
the main piece is that systems are open
systems
they are
influenced by the environment and
contain raw materials people information
resources of different types
those inputs are then transformed
through the building process to create
outputs which are products and services
throughout this entire time there are
subsystems which you can think of as
departments programs
divisions within higher education who
are constantly providing feedback to one
another throughout the transformation
process
that allows
for an open system to be continually
extracting from its external environment
and its internal environment to make
sure that the outputs products and
services are what the organization is
looking to do a
great example and a way that you can
look at this is
making and printing photos
you have your digital camera which is
the input taking the picture your
transformation process is your computer
you're going ahead and editing the
photos making sure everybody looks
wonderful and has their best smile on
and finally the output is the printer
where those photos are being printed
the difference between an open suit
system and a closed system is that a
closed system is self-perpetuating and
receives no outside energy or resources
closed systems do not take into account
the environmental factors on an
organization and it is overly focused on
internal functions and behaviors only
there is no constant use of feedback to
be able to ensure that the system is
working the most efficiently so one way
that you can think of a closed system is
a workstation running proprietary
software
software
or a watch a watch has the role of
making sure time is showing there are
many internal little pieces working
together to make sure that the time is
correct but the environment and other
factors do not make any changes to how
your watch actually works
another cornerstone of general Systems
Theory our feedback loops as you saw in
the open Systems Theory feedback is
important in ensuring that
processes are examined and changed to be
able to produce the most efficient
product
the two different types of feedback that
can be received are negative feedback
which provides information on what is
not going well in the transformation of
inputs and outputs to provide corrective
action
it is described as a self-correcting
control system that is sensitive to
selected factors in the environment
so an example of that within higher
education can be
making changes to a
policy based on alumni feedback
positive feedback
provides information on what is going
well in the transformation of inputs and
outputs to amplify the initial
disturbance to lead to improved outcomes
an example of that can be a retention
effort for Latino students that initial
disturbance the program that was created
to support retention has led to improved
outcomes and the feedback is provided to
ensure that those disturbances the
retention efforts are kept going
interdependence in relationships is also
another part of general Systems Theory
after World War two there was a concern
about the compartmentalization of
science a connection between scientific
disciplines with organizational
management emerged which was general
Systems Theory the idea created by overt
Lenape was that there was a relationship
between all organization similar to how
there were relationships within nature
that would produce an independent
relationship of parts to read a common
goal in order for that to happen within
higher education and organizations there
must be communication plans in place to
ensure exchange of relevant information
also the various departments programs
are also considered subsystems which are
interrelated parts that turn inputs into
outputs and everything together creates
the outputs for the organization
dynamic equilibrium exists when system
components are in a state of change but
at least one variable stays within a
specified range
homeostasis is a condition of dynamic
equilibrium between at least two system
variables so these can be seen within
higher education as a retention rate and
making sure that that one variable stays
within a certain range and all the
pieces so the academic departments
Student Affairs department's maintenance
departments are working towards keeping
that one variable within that specified
range
homeostasis can be seen as retention and
graduation rates so those are two
variables that are being kept between a
specific range
there are criticisms
with systems theories one of them is the
interdependence of personnel that within
the system to work truly openly
personnel need to be willing to work
with one another across disciplines also
the effect of environment on structure
and function
open systems are
influenced by their internal and
external environments so there may be
the best plan laid out however if there
are external factors that are creating
what is going on as the final output
that may be due to the inability of the
system to actually
do what it's planned to do but more a
reaction of what the environment is
pushing it to do the idea of nature
versus nurture within an organization
here are two examples of the theory
application within higher education
so there is the instructor versus
learning paradigm where knowledge exists
versus being created
instruction paradigm believes that
learning is cumulative and the learning
paradigm believes that learning is
linear and there is a set production
schedule that learning happens within a
dedicated time frame in the classroom
and that's it an example of this can be
service-learning where you are taking
students out into an environment which
may be a service organization
to do work that is interrelated to the
class session
learning is also another example in
which
holistic learning taking multiple
disciplines and combining them together
for increased critical thinking and
thought
it helps to reduce department silos
because all of the subsystems the
departments are working together towards
the common goal of
Education it also helps extend resources
you have the opportunity to have funding
from two different departments come
together to be able to support a class
or program an example of this would be
an interdisciplinary
math and English class which is team
taught by a mathematician and an English
faculty the benefit to the student would
be having a greater opportunity of
understanding math problems from an
English focus as well as having the
content expertise of a mathematician to
be able to solve the problems
here is the discussion board question
that is posted on canvas as a university
departments are interrelated with the
goal of producing college-educated
individuals how can community college
leaders create an environment of shared
governance using an open
systems framework is it possible for
subsystems to work interrelated lis
towards a similar goal in higher
education
and
with that
you for listening to this presentation
here are the references that I used as a
part of my paper and this presentation
if you have any questions please feel
free to reach out to me via our CCL
cohort 25 Facebook page or email at
Alvarado ok at
Oregon State edu
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