Educational Systems Theory

Property: Homeostasis

Definition:

"Educational system homeostasis is equifinality under system environmental change." (p.66)

Comments:

Homeostasis is illustrated by functions that constantly monitor a system and make adjustments as needed to maintain equilibrium. Within the physiological systems of higher animals, for example, there is a tendency to maintain internal stability in response to change. This tendency is governed by a complex biochemical system that features communication and control.

Illustration:

Illustration under construction.

Examples:

A thermostat constantly monitors the air temperature in one's home and then activates the heating or air conditioning unit to maintain the desired air temperature. A rubber band pulled at both ends springs back to its original shape. The automatic pilot system on an aircraft makes needed adjustments in a craft's operation as changes in the environment occur. All of these examples illustrate the concept of homeostasis.

Within sociological systems such as education, however, the dynamics of homeostasis might be more difficult to observe. Processes that maintain the status quo despite changes to the environment might evidence homeostasis in these systems. One example might be the tendency for "school" to continue despite epidemics or natural disasters. Another might be the tendency for many teachers to teach in the way they traditionally have despite the appearance of computers and other technological innovations in their environment.

Related Terms:

Educational System Stability,

Educational System State Steadiness

Educational System State Determinacy

Educational System Equifinality

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Hypotheses Containing the Property: Homeostasis

# 143. If educational system feedin is constant then homeostasis is less than some value.

# 156. If educational system equifinality at a given time and education system homeostasis is greater than some value, then regulation is less than some value.

# 176. If educational system state steadiness is less than some value, then segregation is less than some value and integration is less than some value and homeostasis is less than some value.

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