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The Simple, the Complicated, and the Complex: Educational Reform Through the Lens of Complexity Theory

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  • Sean Snyder

    (University of Pennsylvania)

Abstract

This paper explores the nature of complexity theory and its applications for educational reform. It briefly explains the history of complexity theory and identifies the key concepts of complex adaptive systems, and then moves on to define the differences between simple, complicated, and complex approaches to educational reform. Special attention is given to work currently underway in the fields of healthcare, emergency management and ecology that draws on complexity theory to build more resilient and robust response systems capable of adapting to changing needs and of identifying key pressure points in the system. Finally, this paper presents several examples of educational reform programmes undertaken worldwide that have implemented complexity theory principles to achieve positive results. It also recommends involving multiple stakeholders across the different levels of governance structure, increasing lateral knowledge-sharing between schools and districts, and transforming policy interventions to bring greater flexibility to the reform process. This move toward feedback-driven adaptive reform allows for better targeting of programmes to specific contexts and may prove a key way forward for educational policymakers.

Suggested Citation

  • Sean Snyder, 2013. "The Simple, the Complicated, and the Complex: Educational Reform Through the Lens of Complexity Theory," OECD Education Working Papers 96, OECD Publishing.
  • Handle: RePEc:oec:eduaab:96-en
    DOI: 10.1787/5k3txnpt1lnr-en
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    Cited by:

    1. Ngo-Hoang, Dai-Long, 2019. "A research paper of Hossein Sabzian (2019), Theories and Practice of Agent based Modeling: Some practical Implications for Economic Planners, ArXiv, 54p," AgriXiv xutyz, Center for Open Science.
    2. Justin O. Parkhurst, 2016. "Appeals to evidence for the resolution of wicked problems: the origins and mechanisms of evidentiary bias," Policy Sciences, Springer;Society of Policy Sciences, vol. 49(4), pages 373-393, December.
    3. Andrews, Matt & Pritchett, Lant & Woolcock, Michael, 2015. "The Challenge of Building (Real) State Capability," Working Paper Series 15-074, Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government.
    4. Nina Bartelink & Patricia van Assema & Maria Jansen & Hans Savelberg & Stef Kremers, 2019. "The Moderating Role of the School Context on the Effects of the Healthy Primary School of the Future," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-19, July.
    5. Dimmock, Clive & Tan, Cheng Yong & Nguyen, Dong & Tran, Tu Anh & Dinh, Thang Truong, 2021. "Implementing education system reform: Local adaptation in school reform of teaching and learning," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).
    6. Tariq Mahadeen & Kostas Galanakis & Elpida Samara & Pavlos Kilintzis, 2021. "Heuristics and Evidences Decision (HeED) Making: a Case Study in a Systemic Model for Transforming Decision Making from Heuristics-Based to Evidenced-Based," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 12(4), pages 1668-1693, December.
    7. Joksimović Ljubinka & Manić Slavica, 2018. "Exploring Education and Education Reforms from the Complex Systems Point of View," Economic Themes, Sciendo, vol. 56(1), pages 1-15, April.
    8. Giedrius Jucevičius & Kristina Grumadaitė, 2024. "Managing Strategic Tensions in the Development of Organizational Ecosystems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-18, February.
    9. Andrews, Matt & Pritchett, Lant & Woolcock, Michael, 2017. "Building State Capability: Evidence, Analysis, Action," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198747482.
    10. Hossein Sabzian & Mohammad Ali Shafia & Ali Maleki & Seyeed Mostapha Seyeed Hashemi & Ali Baghaei & Hossein Gharib, 2019. "Theories and Practice of Agent based Modeling: Some practical Implications for Economic Planners," Papers 1901.08932, arXiv.org.
    11. Marion D. Driessen-Willems & Nina H. M. Bartelink & Kathelijne M. H. H. Bessems & Stef P. J. Kremers & Conny Kintzen & Patricia van Assema, 2021. "Co-Creation Approach with Action-Oriented Research Methods to Strengthen “Krachtvoer”; A School-Based Programme to Enhance Healthy Nutrition in Adolescents," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-12, July.
    12. Matt Andrews, 2022. "Getting Real about Unknowns in Complex Policy Work," CID Working Papers 406, Center for International Development at Harvard University.
    13. Bentley, Chance & Anandhi, Aavudai, 2020. "Representing driver-response complexity in ecosystems using an improved conceptual model," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 437(C).

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