Growing Points for a Synthesis Between the Sciences of Learning, School Reform, and Inequity: Insights From Complex Dynamical Systems Theory

Abstract

The growing differentiation of specialties in education creates the need for a common framework. This chapter discusses the basic premises of complex dynamical systems theory (CDST), its intellectual foundations, and its applicability to the field of education, with a particular focus on the areas of learning and development, school reform, and the persistence of inequity in society. The vocabulary of CDST is reviewed and applied to these problem areas to help deepen our understanding of the challenges facing policymakers and practitioners and provide growing points for the integration of these areas of knowledge into a coherent basis for further research and exploration. The differences between CDST and traditional research paradigms are also duly considered.