This is the fifteenth in the ETC system series based on the concept of anasynthesis: analysis, synthesis, modeling, and simulation.
This is a multi-media presentation consisting of a large flowchart model, a 34-page text-workbook, and magnetic cassette, designed for individual and group instruction. Many requests have been received by Dr. L.C. Silvern to present an actual simulation using a real-life problem. His model (Systems Engineering of Education VII: General System Model for Effective Curriculums) was selected since it had been extensively documented; a two hour cassette explanation of the model and how it can be used for simulation was produced by ETC early in 1972. This is a closed-loop cybernetic model with 164 subsystems and 42 feedback signal paths, drawn in LOGOS language and offset printed on a 17" x 22" sheet.
The technique of narration simulation or "talking through" is utilized to process the problem through the flowchart model. Instructions are given by Dr. Silvern on audio tape as the 'learner' refers to the flowchart model relying on the information in his text-workbook. A typical 'learner' is director or administrator of education and training programs, curriculum specialist, research manager, project director -- everyone involved in creating, developing, managing, and evaluating complex learning systems. Graduate students in schools of education will find simulation of benefit in planning their research studies.
Dr. Silvern introduces a fairly high degree of quantification without resorting to a computation simulation. Mathematics is not required to perform narration simulation. The problem being simulated generates management decisions in a correctional setting. The scenario describes a fictitious institution --- a composite of real facilities. Decisions deal with introducing academic, vocational-technical and behavior modification courses.
