Implications of Complexity Theory for Curriculum

Document Type : research paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Sciences, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran

2 Professor, Department of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran

Abstract

The main purpose of this paper was to explain the implications of complexity theory for curriculum. Complexity theory based on the basics of quantum physics, states that complex systems can not be predicted anything before. In this study, the methodology of document mining and categorical content analysis was used to extract the implications of complexity theory for the curriculum. 45 related sources were selected as the research sample based on purposive sampling. First, according to the research questions, related sources were studied and texts were extracted. The findings were then coded, classified, analyzed, and interpreted. The research findings explained the characteristics of complexity theory, the applications of complexity theory in education and curriculum, the characteristics of complex curriculum, and the curriculum approach appropriate to complexity theory. The findings explained complexity theory has features such as positive feedback, adaptability, and adaption, chaos, self-analytical, communication, self-organization, the butterfly effect, self-balancing, unfamiliar attractions, and non-linearity. Based on the complexity theory, only the type of Curriculum can prepare a person to deal with change and evolution and live in a complex world that itself is complex; a curriculum based on complex adaptive systems, are emphasizes the principles such as emergent, self-organization, feedback, interaction, interactive and multi-directional relationships, collaboration, communication, and order without control. An emergent curriculum can help to create learner organizations. Through creating learner organizations, learners gain the ability to show appropriate reactions against change, complexity, and uncertainty, and to be able to manage theirs.

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References

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Teacher Professional Development
Volume 8, Issue 2 - Serial Number 28
September 2023
Pages 68-51

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