The three models of change discussed in the chapter are the mechanistic, the ecological and the individual. The mechanistic change is a top-down approach based in hierarchical roles and functions, and introduces institutional change from the outside. In this model, coercive strategies in the form of rules and regulations pass down decisions for implementation so that each level is both implementing a policy made above it and making policy for implementation at the next level below. Putting into effect mechanistic change is an effective way of ensuring implementation of a common national policy throughout a nation, and that is the reason why much national curriculum change takes this form. Besides, responsibilities for mechanistic change …show more content…
It could be seen as a combination of the advantages of the mechanistic and the individual approaches. In this model, roles and functions in curriculum design and implementation are allocated throughout the levels of an educational system according to the skills and expertise of the participants. Its strategy is one of deconcentration, devolving responsibilities to the most appropriate level of implementation. Hence, the curriculum is designed around the local needs and wants of teachers and learners.
A related view of an ecological model uses a systems approach to innovation. Such approach accepts that change is complex and operates within systems and sub-systems of interrelated components which cannot be isolated. It is synthetic rather than analytic. Systems theory tells us that change is dynamic, non-linear, develops over time and can be chaotic and unpredictable. Moreover, systems are open and self-organizing. Some authors (Senge 2006) see a system approach as being essential in developing a learning organization, one which can adapt and change as the environment
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Precisely because it is person-centred I believe it is easier and faster to implement changes than what it would be provided arrangements would have to be done with institutions. Besides, as it focuses on the learners’ needs and learners and the ones who represent the environment in which teacher will be working (in this case English teachers), I suppose that this model is the one that best can address what is actually going on within the classroom. Therefore, we could conclude that the ecological model is the one that approaches the reality of change in Spanish Secondary ELT classrooms more