complexity theory

Civilization and university are among the entities of human life, from the point of view of systemic approach, the idea of ​​abstracting them from each other is far from the truth. The idea of ​​civilization without a university and the idea of ​​a university without civilization is a mental impression far from the truth. The purpose of this research is to introduce the complex relationship between civilization and university and their role in the evolution and prosperity of each other and the characteristics of the university that supports civilization. This research is of an applied type, which was carried out by descriptive-analytical method. The basis for data and evidence collection is long-term normative library studies. This research has a qualitative approach and the data and evidence have been analyzed using reasoning and rational analysis and explanation in an interpretive way. From the point of view of the theory of complexity, civilization and the university have a complementary and simultaneous role of part and whole. University is a part of the whole civilization and civilization is a part of the whole university, which in a circular process; Causality and constructor are each other. Civilization is the cause of the creation and reproduction of the university is the cause of the creation, prosperity and revival of civilization. University and civilization can and should be the cause and product of each other in the way of ensuring the conditions of good human life. As a modern multi-functional institution, the university has many characteristics such as multiplicity of stakeholders, ambiguity in the goal, professionalism, ambiguous decision-making processes, environmental vulnerability, duality in scientific mission and bureaucracy, contradiction in order and disorder. By understanding these features, a civilizing university should be guided by following the three key principles of mission-oriented, adapting to the environment and developing external and internal partnerships

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.

In this paper, I try to put forward a new model for curriculum evaluation, entitled ECCP (Evaluating Curriculum as a Complex Phenomenon), out of my perception of curriculum as a complex event. In the abovementioned model, various dimensions and aspects of curriculum (written, operationalized, experienced, tested, and flourished) are evaluated by three criteria (intended ideals, implicit elements, and overlooked aspects) which finally forms a 15-cell matrix. I firmly believe that evaluating and assessing curriculum as a complex phenomenon requires answers to the questions posed by each cell. It is also endorsed by the model that any evaluation plan ought to locate curriculum in context to offer meaningful results and findings.

The purpose of this study is to examine the implications, challenges and opportunities of complexity theory for the curriculum (national curriculum). In this study, "Speculative Essay" is used as research method and "Review of Documentation" is used as a tool for information gathering. The main features of complexity theory include totalism, mutual causality, mental reality, uncertainty, self-regulation, multi-sectarianism and nonlinearity. Curriculum according to the national curriculum document has seven essential elements, including student, teacher, content, teaching, learning, assessment, learning environment and school principal. The findings of the research showed that according to the complexity theory, there are some features of this theory in the seven elements of the national curriculum, but still do not cover all the implications of this theory, In addition, the findings of the paper showed that such issues as dichotomy, rule breaking, non-static, neglect of respect, and lack of linear order, multiple causality, or multiple causality can be considered challenges to curriculum and opportunities for the program. The lessons can be seen in terms of incremental, contradictory, and paradox, causal, fundamental, and gradual interaction, cooperation and communication, creative thinking, and self-study.

The present study seeks to rethink the role of the teacher in the teaching-learning process according to the complexity theory. First, the role of the teacher is explained in the traditional vision of Comenius and Dewey's critical insight and then the role of the teacher is discussed in the complexity theory. Then, the teacher’s image as an emergence facilitator is suggested instead of their image as a representer. In this way, the facilitator role, as recommended by the complexity theory, involves creating a context for participation along with engagement and attention, hermeneutic listening, using imagination and improvising, the emergence of different interpretations, and the non-linear, unpredictable, self-regulated, and common knowledge and awareness. From this viewpoint, facilitating and learning which are considered as simultaneous and continuous and are not limited to teacher or learners, could establish a context for the emergence of common knowledge at the classroom level.

The aim of present study is providing an explanation of the roles that different aspects of the science nature play in teaching science. Through a holistic attitude according to complexity theory, it is argued that raising philosophical questions in history, sociology, and psychology helps in clarifying the nature of science. According to the findings, there is a need for a revision in the inductive insights and a focus on the constructivist dimension in teaching. Thinking about the history of science would facilitate understanding science in the context of history. The sociological implication of the science indicates to the significance share of scientists in social development,and the interaction between scientists and other social agents such as philosophers and artists. Philosophizing in the field of psychology reveals that encouraging the students to think about science freely and based on the aesthetic and metaphysical inclinations could provide the chances for the development of new ideas in the learners. Finally, developing a holistic view in the learners is important.