Roberto Joseph

A cultural embrace

ConclusionAs culture is at the heart of meaning making, it warrants exacting attention in the systemic design process. As Gustafson & Powell (1991) point out, too often models are not tested for validity and reliability. It is for this reason that we emphasize that research must critically evaluate this expanded ADDIE model.As technology enables us to increase our interaction with the peoples of the world, we are enriched by the incessant shifts in our own cultural paradigms. Attention to this cultural dynamism and incessant interplay leads to both improved designs and improved designers. As instructional designers, we must be able to critically analyze our learner’s cultures and allow it to strengthen the instructional design process. In this way we address our ethical commitment to creating culturally sensitive products.

Formative research on an early stage of the systemic change process in a small school district

This study utilised a qualitative research methodology known as formative research to improve the process guidelines that are described in the Guidance System for Transforming Education (GSTE). This study took place in a small (5447 students), partly urban and partly rural school district in Indiana. The researchers, also serving as change facilitators, investigated an early stage of the systemic change process as outlined in the GSTE. Specifically, the research focused on field-testing and improving the process for assessing the districts readiness for change. It was found that this process could have been improved if the facilitators had had more guidance to help them develop the interview protocols.

BANATHY'S INFLUENCE ON THE GUIDANCE SYSTEM FOR TRANSFORMING EDUCATION

INTRODUCTIONThis article is a tribute to the work of Bela H. Banathy. We identify how Banathyhas influenced our work on systemic change in education. For Banathy (1996) thecrux of systemic change is found in systems design, which is a process that engagesstakeholders in conversations on their visions, ideals, values, and aspirations with