The Systems Approach as an Essential Element in the Transformation of the School Model: Theoretical Foundations and Practical Applications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63969/a00h7709Keywords:
systems thinking, educational transformation, complex adaptive systems, neuroplasticity, systemic curriculum design, General Systems TheoryAbstract
Contemporary educational transformation requires conceptual frameworks that transcend traditional reductionist approaches. This article examines the systemic approach as an indispensable theoretical-practical foundation for understanding and transforming educational systems in their inherent complexity. Drawing from General Systems Theory and its application to educational contexts, we analyze the principles of complex dynamic systems, brain neuroplasticity, systemic curriculum design, and leverage points for transformational change. The review integrates classical theoretical foundations with recent empirical evidence (2024-2026) demonstrating the effectiveness of systems thinking across diverse educational contexts, including Latin American experiences. Findings reveal that the systemic approach facilitates understanding of interconnections, feedback loops, and emergent properties in educational systems, enabling more effective and sustainable interventions. Practical applications are identified in curriculum design, teacher training, educational assessment, and institutional policies. The article concludes that adopting systems thinking represents a necessary paradigmatic shift to address 21st-century educational challenges, offering conceptual and methodological tools for deep and lasting educational transformations.
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