Applied Chaos and Complexity Theory in Education

This work unites international contributors in educational management and educational administration; most contributors are from Turkey, Nigeria, and Uganda. Some topics addressed include chaotic and complex situations in girls’ education, educational leaders’ emotional intelligence, education and leadership in social networks, and chaos and complexity theory within classroom discipline. Other subjects include corruption in education in Sokoto State of Nigeria, complexity ramifications of high stakes exams, and leadership skills in complex collegiate adult groups.

IGI Global’s Applied Chaos and Complexity Theory in Education illuminates a topic that may, by name, not be familiar to many individuals. Chaos and complexity theory aims to analyze the state of dynamical systems by evaluating how they interact, evolve, and adapt. Applied to education, the theories of chaos and complexity theory apply the theory in relation to educational systems and institutions. The book is a useful reference for researchers and students alike. The topics covered in the book include classroom discipline, conflict management, corruption, educational management, emotional intelligence, leadership skills, self-assessment, and social networks.
The 16 chapters in the book take the form of case studies (international in scope). One chapter deals with chaotic and complex situations in girl’s education, one chapter deals with school principals and proactive behavior, and one chapter deals with education and leadership in social networks. By way of example, let us review chapter eight, "Education and Leadership in Social Networks." The chapter, written by two scholars at Hacettepe University in Turkey, attempts to respond to the current world of social networks. The authors argue that the influence of social media in the lives of students (particularly younger students) is an access point that should be leveraged by instructors to create community, connection, and common bonds. The authors point to blogs as a way that students and instructors can connect, create community, and provide feedback for future learning. However, the authors also point to more web 2.0 staples, such as social media, as future points of access and learning. However, a challenge is presented when one considers the “flatness” of social media. One of the strengths of social media is that it provides everyone an equal playing field: all users are treated equally. However, this strength is also a negative in the context of instruction: the challenge and blessing of social media will be simultaneously harnessing and controlling this reality. The article ends with recommendations, references, and key terms and definitions.
The book contains a large index that facilitates searching. Overall, the book is a useful resource for researchers and students alike as they attempt to navigate this new world. This book is recommended for academic libraries.