Soft Systems Methodology in Education
Description
This book explores the application of Soft Systems Methodology in educational research as a qualitative research tool to generate theory, and identifies the mechanisms that engender the behaviours and discourse of social groups. Grounded within the literature from philosophy and science, the approach is predicated on the ontology and epistemology of critical realism. The authors consider the tenets of systems thinking, recognizing that emergent features appear at higher levels of complexity within a hierarchy and that unintended consequences can occur when making decisions in complex situations with interacting components.
The central element of the book is the formulation of a research strategy entitled 'Worldview, Metaphor and Power of Social Objects' (Womposo) and its application to a research study of the practicum experience of teachers in training. Integral to the methodology is the creation of rich pictures and diagrams. Additionally, images representing different stakeholders' views of the whole system are presented in revealing illustrations, allowing the reader to grasp each holistic metaphor. It is suitable for postgraduate students and researchers in education and other social science programmes
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Dr Simon Pratt-Adams is Associate Professor in Academic Development in the Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care at Anglia Ruskin University. He is the Acting Director of the Centre for Innovation in Higher Education, a specialist academic development unit. His research, including his doctorate, has included working with diverse communities in challenging contexts, with a focus on improving learning outcomes among disadvantaged groups. He has published widely using qualitative research strategies such as ethnography, action research and case studies. His publications include co-editorship of a seven-book series on Education Studies (2010-2014) and co-author of 'Changing Urban Education' (2011); 'Men teaching children 3-11: Challenging gender barriers' (2015); 'and 'Innovations in Active Learning in Higher Education' (2020).