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Vol. 16 No. 1 (2025): Pedagogy as a science between theory and empiricism

Rethinking educational research in complex systems

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3280/ess1-2025oa20332
Submitted
giugno 5, 2025
Published
2025-06-26

Abstract

The paper examines education as a complex system - epistemically and systemically - highlighting the implications for educational research. It introduces the notion of simplex systems as simplifying structures employed by agent communities - researchers, teachers, and policymakers - to operate within educational complexity. Using this framework, the paper investigates intra- and inter-community tensions emerging from processes of innovation, evaluation, and research transfer. Special attention is given to differing causal models, the limitations of interindividual variability as a dominant evidence base, and communication gaps among communities. The conclusion calls for an epistemologically responsible research agenda, one that contributes to building shared tools for action, inspired by the methodological legacy of Raymond Buyse.

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