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The literature on quantum mechanics allows for some different perspectives that can be applied to PLC work, providing some unique ways for thinking about the work of the school as an organization, and the flow of energy and information that create and sustain a school culture. But first, a look at the field of quantum mechanics, the questions it raises, and the approaches it might suggest for improving schools.

Quantum mechanics

The quantum field or quantum domain consists of information and energy; in fact, everything in existence is either energy or information (Chopra, 2003, p.36). The field of quantum physics emerged as a response to the prevailing scientific views of the 17 th century in which Rene Descartes and Isaac Newton described the universe as a “giant machine” (Garmston&Wellman, 1995, ¶ 9). In their view of the world, things happened in the universe by cause and effect relationships. Materials were considered to be bits of discrete particles, and the interactions were separate from the sources of energy with which it interacted (Garmston&Wellman (1995), citing Devall&Sessions, 1985, ¶ 9). Newtonian physics prevailed for almost 300 years, until the revolution of thought known as quantum theory began to emerge.

Unlike the Newtonian world of discrete bits and pieces, the quantum world is seen as a web of interrelatedness (Chopra, 2003; Garmston&Wellman, 1995; Wheatley, 1994). Chopra referred to the “chunks of energy fields vibrating at different frequencies that we perceive as solid objects are all part of a collective energy field” (p.39). In essence, any one person’s energy field comes in to contact with and responds to that of another. Hence we are all part of the great “energy soup” (Chopra, 2003, p.39). As people interact, they share information and energy.

The quantum world provides interesting implications for school improvement. Garmston and Wellman (1995) referred to the relationship of the quantum world with that of education. They stated, “In quantum schools, leaders pay attention to the flow and interchange of energy. Energy, not things becomes the avenue to attainment” (¶ 15). It is the interaction of energy in motion that is the essence of the quantum world.

The role of organizations and their relation to quantum mechanics

Quantum mechanics offers a view of organizations that deals more with the energy and the relationships of people, it is clear that this approach differs greatly from the Newtonian view of the world, which placed great emphasis on predictability and order (Garmston&Wellman, 1995; Wheatley, 1994). It could be argued that the Newtonian methods for organizing and improving schools are alive, although not thriving, in schools today. Wheatley (1994) stated, “It is interesting to note just how Newtonian most organizations are” (p.27). Organizations have become fragmented, divided by disciplines, bits, and subjects. Wheatley continued, “In organizations, we focused our attention on structure and organizational design, on gathering extensive numerical data, and on making decisions using sophisticated mathematical ratios” (p.27). People in organizations often believed in the study the parts to arrive at an understanding of the whole . When this occurs, people are still looking at the Newtonian cause and effect model of explanation. In contrast, it is embracing and understanding the system for its wisdom that can transform organizations (Senge, 1990). It is the interconnectedness, the formation of community that ultimately allows for renewal and forward motion. The interdependence that exists in organizations is the same type of connecting element that is seen in the quantum universe (Garmston&Wellman, 1995).

Questions & Answers

the diagram of the digestive system
Assiatu Reply
allimentary cannel
Ogenrwot
How does twins formed
William Reply
They formed in two ways first when one sperm and one egg are splited by mitosis or two sperm and two eggs join together
Oluwatobi
what is genetics
Josephine Reply
Genetics is the study of heredity
Misack
how does twins formed?
Misack
What is manual
Hassan Reply
discuss biological phenomenon and provide pieces of evidence to show that it was responsible for the formation of eukaryotic organelles
Joseph Reply
what is biology
Yousuf Reply
the study of living organisms and their interactions with one another and their environments
AI-Robot
the study of living organisms and their interactions with one another and their environment.
Wine
discuss the biological phenomenon and provide pieces of evidence to show that it was responsible for the formation of eukaryotic organelles in an essay form
Joseph Reply
what is the blood cells
Shaker Reply
list any five characteristics of the blood cells
Shaker
lack electricity and its more savely than electronic microscope because its naturally by using of light
Abdullahi Reply
advantage of electronic microscope is easily and clearly while disadvantage is dangerous because its electronic. advantage of light microscope is savely and naturally by sun while disadvantage is not easily,means its not sharp and not clear
Abdullahi
cell theory state that every organisms composed of one or more cell,cell is the basic unit of life
Abdullahi
is like gone fail us
DENG
cells is the basic structure and functions of all living things
Ramadan
What is classification
ISCONT Reply
is organisms that are similar into groups called tara
Yamosa
in what situation (s) would be the use of a scanning electron microscope be ideal and why?
Kenna Reply
A scanning electron microscope (SEM) is ideal for situations requiring high-resolution imaging of surfaces. It is commonly used in materials science, biology, and geology to examine the topography and composition of samples at a nanoscale level. SEM is particularly useful for studying fine details,
Hilary
cell is the building block of life.
Condoleezza Reply
what is cell divisoin?
Aron Reply
Diversity of living thing
ISCONT
what is cell division
Aron Reply
Cell division is the process by which a single cell divides into two or more daughter cells. It is a fundamental process in all living organisms and is essential for growth, development, and reproduction. Cell division can occur through either mitosis or meiosis.
AI-Robot
What is life?
Allison Reply
life is defined as any system capable of performing functions such as eating, metabolizing,excreting,breathing,moving,Growing,reproducing,and responding to external stimuli.
Mohamed
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Source:  OpenStax, Ncpea education leadership review, volume 10, number 2; august 2009. OpenStax CNX. Feb 22, 2010 Download for free at http://cnx.org/content/col10710/1.2
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