Modelling in Education

What is a model ？

dolls, toy cars and trains, Monopoly, chess, physical games: football, tennis, etc. What is a model ？

Features of a model using one thing to think about another idealized and simplified representation of real thing

Toy cars vs. Lego

Theory exploration(learning from models) –exploring ideas about a topic presented by someone else (teacher or expert), where these ideas may often be quite different from the learner’s ideas Features of learning activities

Theory construction (learning with models) –giving students the empty tool together with materials and tasks challenging them to construct models Features of learning activities

to allow children to explore other people’s representations to express and manipulate their own representation of their world to lead them to an understanding of the nature of the task of theory building (modelling tool serves as a ‘theory’ machine) What is the role of modelling tools in Education?

Nature of Scientific Investigations Observation Theorization Prediction Logical inference or generalization Bacon’s View

Nature of Scientific Investigations Observation Theorization Prediction Conjecture Refutation Popper’s View

Nature of Scientific Investigations Observation Theorization Prediction Scientific revolution Normal science Kuhn’s View

Observation Theorization Prediction Weak in science education Overemphasized in science education Nature of Scientific Investigations

Nature of Scientific Investigation Theory Building Observation and Experimentation Theory-Exploration activities Theory-Construction activities conjecture Refutation

Concept Mapping vs. Dynamic Modelling  Concept maps require students to describe only semantic relationships between concepts  Dynamic Modelling tools require students to define dynamic relationships (cause and effect, how the relationships evolve with time, etc.)

Examples of Dynamic Modelling: Stella Stella Four Components: Stock Flow Connector Converter

Examples of Dynamic Modelling: Model-It Model-It What is Model-It? Model - It is a qualitative modeling tool specially designed for the learning needs of children and young adults (grades ). This tool enables students to make qualitative models of cause and effect relationships. Students using Model - It are able to associate Objects found in the environment with measurable, variable Factors.