Eric Schwarz

> LA RÉVOLUTION DES SYSTÈMES, Une introduction à l'approche systémique, de Eric Schwarz. — Eric Schwarz a recueilli, dans cet ouvrage très accessible, des textes présentés par des chercheurs en sciences physiques, biologiques et humaines, qui s’attachent à décrire les systèmes étudiés dans ces différentes disciplines. En conclusion, figure la contribution de Hubert Reeves sur les lois ultimes déterminant l’évolution des systèmes naturels, les « recettes de la nature ».
La révolution des systèmes pénètre un nombre croissant de domaines. Elle reste, pour la majorité des chercheurs, un mode de pensée complémentaire de l’approche analytique cartésienne, se caractérisant surtout par la prise en compte de la globalité des phénomènes, de leur interactions, leur structure, leur organisation et leur dynamique propre.
La révolution systémique symptômatise, à nos yeux, l’impossibilité, pour le mode ordinaire de penser, d’appréhender la réalité. Dès lors, il devient indispensable de comprendre les fonctions limitées de la pensée « mécanique ». Et, en conséquence, de se connaître soi-même dans le vif de ses fonctionnements intellectuels, émotionnels, sensoriels, etc…
Par la révolution systémique, je crois que nous assistons à la fois à une remise en cause du paradigme mécaniciste-réductionniste et à l’émergence d’une aspiration vers un mode de penser global dont l’ampleur marquera la seconde étape d’une plus grande révolution psychologique de l’observateur.
Ce livre offre un éventail clair et diversifié de l’approche systémique des disciplines de la Science en devenir. Editions DelVal - CH-1774 Cousset (Fribourg) Suisse, 1988. 290 p.
—3e millénaire, (13), Automne 1989… (altro)

Inspiring story of the synergistic effect of pairing community with education.

Eric Schwarz tackled the problem of disadvantaged and low performing schools by thinking - what are they lacking that better schools have? Frequently the answer is money but Schwarz looked deeper than that. What stood out was that better schools had extended learning from the aquistion of skills outside the formal classroom plus an deep and functional social network that enhanced problem solving - think soccer mom or, in a more intense version, tiger mom. Schwarz came up with the novel solution that volunteers could perhaps fill that 'mom/parent' role - volunteers with specialized skills but not necessarily with teaching credentials. And the idea of Citizen Schools was born. Schwarz recruited a diverse group of volunteers spanning the gamut from business professional to retired persons and linked them with AmeriCorps (a program for recent college graduates). Together they formed a modified apprenticeship program that became a sort of second shift to the regular school day and provided the advantage that the disadvantaged students had been lacking.

I was quite impressed with the program and its implementation which was somewhat surprising as I had to overcome some personal prejudice once I discovered that Eric Schwarz was of the FAO Schwarz toy store family. I have a rather jaundiced opinion of do-gooders attempting to 'fix' education - often making the problem worse and more complicated through their meddling. Also I was leery of the extended school day idea - frequently the school day is taken up with 'busy' work and the last thing students need is more of the same old same old. But the Citizen Schools program addressed these concerns plus placing utmost emphasis on the vital issue of knowledge integration which, in my opinion, is sadly lacking in many public schools and which is key to making knowledge 'stick'.

Misgivings of the author aside, I do believe his program is sound and has far-reaching implications. My only other concern was that the program relied heavily on college attendance/graduation as a success metric. While college is wonderful it should not be counted as goal in and of itself. A better metric, in my opinion, would be the more practical and pragmatic goal of job aquisition and retention. With that caveat, excellent book, excellent program. While this book is obviously geared towards readers interested in education excellence it also has a great deal to say on the subject of social enterpeneurship making it a very worthwhile read for anyone with that bent. Recommended.… (altro)

Overall a great read. Part memoir (start up of Citizen Schools) and part recipe/what you can do to help.
As a teacher, I found some of it "well duh" and intriguing.
In essence, schools haven't changed their calendar in ages and once children leave in the early afternoon, they are on their own. For those with privilege, this means lessons, tutoring, and camps; however, since this additional learning time isn't available to all - thus widening the gap further. To ensure that all children have access and social opportunities, it can't be done during the school day.
I found it to be inspiring, enlightening, and enjoyed it.… (altro)