Application of the biomatrix model to education systems design - with special reference to South Africa

Dostal, Elisabeth

Application of the biomatrix model to education systems design - with special reference to South Africa

Thesis / Dissertation

1997

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Division of Biomedical Engineering

Faculty

Faculty of Health Sciences

Abstract

The research problem of the thesis arose from the author's ongoing involvement in organisational and societal transformation. It refers to the need of finding a comprehensive approach to the (re)design of large social systems such as an education system, which is both theoretically sound and can be applied in practice. More specifically, the research of this study was undertaken • to increase understanding of systems change and insight regarding systems design in general and with respect to education specifically; • to develop a comprehensive framework for the analysis and design of systems and to apply it to education; • to contribute to existing design methods and to apply them to the education system with special reference to education in South Africa. The biomatrix model, which is a process based general systems model, was chosen as the underlying theory on which to base this study. It was found to be appropriate because it integrates the most important general systems concepts developed by various systems thinkers and relates them to each other in a coherent and explanatory manner and describes generic organisational patterns which are applicable to various scientific disciplines. It may therefore be regarded as a comprehensive systems approach. Based on the biomatrix model, three methods were developed and applied to education systems design, namely design methods I and II and telentropy analysis. • Design approach I uses the various concepts and generic patterns of organisation of the biomatrix as "lenses" through which to view a system. The education system is seen as a system which spans various levels (i.e. from the societal to the molecular level) and different dimensions at the societal and individual levels. More specifically it is described as a system that provides, taps, internalises, integrates and applies learning opportunities. This method utilises existing data (e.g. education theories, policy documents, educational trends, etc.) which are viewed through the biomatrix model, thereby yielding different perspectives of the system. The generic organisational patterns of the biomatrix model contribute insights and recommendations for an ideal system. The South African education system was used as a case study. • Design method II uses the biomatrix as a multi-dimensional and multi-leveled framework within which systems problems can be identified and ideals can be brainstormed and integrated into a coherent design. This method was applied in a group context and is presented as a case study for an ideal design of South Africa's education system. • Telentropy analysis aims at identifying problems (i.e. telentropy) within the various parts of the system, classifying them and tracing their impact through the system by following the systems dynamic inherent in the biomatrix model. Problems within South Africa's education system were identified in a group context, using the biomatrix as a multi-dimensional and multi-leveled framework of inquiry. The development of the biomatrix model, as well as its application fall within the methodological context of new paradigm research and need to be evaluated accordingly. More specifically, the research methodology followed a dialectic process between induction and deduction, between a search for universal principles and patterns and their specific manifestations, between theory and application, superimposed by a process of self-reflection by the author as well as by a biomatrix research group. The thesis contributes insights into the current education policy debate and makes some recommendations regarding an ideal design. It also represents a further development of process-based systems thinking, as well as making methodological contributions to the general systems field. The biomatrix model was found to provide theoretical insights, a comprehensive framework and practical approaches for the inquiry into and the design of an education system.

Keywords

biomatrix

education

Reference:

Collections

PhD / Doctoral

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