On Language Learner Agency: A Complex Dynamic Systems Theory Perspective

Dynamic Assessment of a Schizophrenic Foreign Language Learner

Objectives: This case study highlights the applicability of Dynamic Assessment (DA) in exploring the cognitive development and intellectual functioning of a schizophrenic foreign language learner. Methods: The general analytical framework of study to unmask the changes in the learner’s competence is Microgenesis. Results: Analysis of the findings not only supports the Vygotskian view re...

On Annotating Learner Language: A CL Perspective

Empiricism in Ecological Economics: a Perspective from Complex Systems Theory

Economies are open complex adaptive systems far from thermodynamic equilibrium, and neo-classical environmental economics seems not to be the best way to describe the behaviour of such systems. Standard econometric analysis (i.e. time series) takes a deterministic and predictive approach, which encourages the search for predictive policy to ‘correct’ environmental problems. Rather, it seems tha...

A Complex Systems Perspective on Collaborative Design

1. The Challenge: Collaborative Design Dynamics Collaborative design is challenging because strong interdependencies between design issues make it difficult to converge on a single design that satisfies these dependencies and is acceptable to all participants. Current collaborative design processes are typically characterized by (1) multiple iterations and/or heavy reliance on multi-functional ...

A Dynamic Systems Perspective on Qualitative Simulation

This paper examines qualitative simulation (QS) from the phase space perspective of dynamic systems theory. QS consists of two steps: transition analysis determines the sequence of qualitative states that a system traverses and global interpretation derives its long-term behavior . I recast transition analysis as a search problem in phase space and replace the assorted transition rules with two...