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Here we present a case-based talk that applies both systems thinking and the concept of isomorphism to a complex, mulch-institutional college bridge program. For more information please contact Patrick Barlow at Pbarlow1@utk.edu
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RETROSPECTIVE APPLICATION OF SYSTEMS
THINKING AND ISOMORPHISM TO A
COMPLEX MULTI-INSTITUTIONAL
EVALUATION PROJECT
Patrick B. BarlowPhD. Student in Evaluation, Statistics, & Measurement, the
University of Tennessee
Eric Heidel, PhDAssistant Professor of Biostatistics, the University of Tennessee
Graduate School of Medicine.
What’s on the Agenda?
• Case presentation• How can systems thinking be applied
to the Bridge Program?• How can isomorphism and boundaries
be applied to the bridge program?• Isomorphism, boundaries, and
evaluator competency• Questions
CASE PRESENTATION
Program DescriptionEvaluation & Evaluator RoleThe Problem
The UT-PSCC Bridge Program was conceived as part of a statewide initiative to provide additional transfer pathways and
strengthen ties between two-year and four-year state institutions.
Summer Session (UT)Wait-listed UT students who enroll in the program move into UT housingEnroll in multiple UT summer courses
Fall Session (PSCC)Students continue to live on the UT campusTake full course load at PSCCMust maintain 2.0GPA & 15 transferable credits
Spring Session (PSCC)Continue to live at UTCourses at PSCCMust have 2.5 GPS & 30 credits
If benchmarks are met, then the student is guaranteed enrollment at UT the following Fall Semester.
Program Description
Evaluation and Evaluator Role
Student evaluator– Internal (UT student)– External (not employed by the program)
Evaluation Design–Mixed methods design with multiple
planned data sources including survey, interview, and focus group data.
Program “Schematic”
The Problem
Initial lack of…– Organization– Communication
Multiple university systems– Shared responsibilities/offices–Number of stakeholders– Physical distance between systems
Constantly evolving program
HOW CAN SYSTEMS BE APPLIED TO THE BRIDGE PROGRAM?
What are systems?How did we view system boundaries in the Bridge Program?
Systems & Boundaries
In general, a system is a, “complex whole of related parts” (Cabrera)
In evaluation:
• What is the program? What is it not?
• What are the parts of the program?
• How do these parts relate to one another & the program as a whole?
• Conscious recognition of these elements is key
The Focus
Acknowledging & understanding the interrelations among program
elements as well as between the program & external forces.
Key Systems in the Bridge Program
UT-PSCC Bridge Program TN
Legislature
PSCCUT
UT-PSCC Bridge Program
Admissions
Student Success Center
Billing/Financial
Aid
Marketing/ Comm.
Program Admin.
Housing/Student Services
Advising/ Orientatio
n
College A
Dept A
Dept B
Campus A
Campus B
Campus A
Faculty
Campus B
Faculty
College B
Student Activitie
s
Academic Affairs
The University
of Tennessee
Pellissippi State
Community College
A Closer Look
1st Yr. Studies
One Step Deeper
• Within the program are two university systems
• Within each university there are multiple administrative divisions
• Within each division there are individual offices
• Finally, within each office there are numerous stakeholders who are responsible for providing services.
The University of Tennessee
Division of Student Life
University Housing
Executive Director
HOW CAN ISOMORPHISM AND BOUNDARIES BE APPLIED TO THE BRIDGE PROGRAM?
What is isomorphism?How did we apply isomorphism to the Bridge Program?
Isomorphism
• Etymology– Iso = “equal” and Morphosis = “to
form”
• Mathematics– 1:1 correspondence between two
mathematical sets so that operations cause the same result for each set
• Biology– Similarity in form, despite different
ancestry
Isomorphism
• “Recursive replication” of processes and content (Liddle & Saba, 1983)
• “Overlay of overlays” with philosophy and theory (Liddle, 1988)
• Categories with different content, but similar form, have corresponding parts and processes (Hofstadter, 1979)
• Repetitive or similar patterns, translation of models and principles, identical structure and process, interventions, behaviors (White & Russell, 1997)
• Unconscious phenomenon that plays an integral role in understanding relationships between systems (Bernard & Goodyear, 2004; Gentry, 1986; Williams, 1997)
Awareness of Isomorphism
Evaluators can better understand:– The similarities and overlap between
systems– The interdependency between system– Corresponding parts of different
systems–How changes and occurrences in one
system exact change in another system
Isomorphism & the Bridge Program
UT-PSCC Bridge Program
Admissions
Student Success Center
Billing/Financial
Aid
Marketing/ Comm.
Program Admin.
Housing/Student Services
Advising/ Orientatio
n
College A
Dept A
Dept B
Campus A
Campus B
Campus A
Faculty
Campus B
Faculty
College B
Student Activitie
s
Academic Affairs
The University
of Tennessee
Pellissippi State
Community College
1st Yr. Studies
ISOMORPHISM, BOUNDARIES, AND EVALUATOR COMPETENCY
Implications for future evaluations
Implications for Future Evaluations
Incorporating both Isomorphism and systems thinking enhances the evaluator’s ability to…
1. Visualize and understand program structure
2. Anticipate conflict, difficulties, and/or ethical dilemmas
3. Engage in reflective practice using past evaluation experiences as part of promoting professional development
QUESTIONS?
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