ModellingModelling in Educationin Education

What is a modelWhat is a model ？？

dolls, toy cars and trains, Monopoly, chess, physical

games: football, tennis, etc.

What is a modelWhat is a model ？？

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

real thing

Toy cars vs. LegoToy 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 activitiesFeatures 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 activitiesFeatures 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 What is the role of modelling tools in Education?Education?

Nature of Scientific Investigations

Observation

Theorization

Prediction

Logical inference or

generalization

Bacon’s ViewBacon’s View

Nature of Scientific Investigations

Observation

Theorization

Prediction

Conjecture Refutation

Popper’s ViewPopper’s View

Nature of Scientific Investigations

Observation

Theorization

Prediction

Scientific revolution

Normal science

Kuhn’s ViewKuhn’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

•Four Components:

•Stock

•Flow

•Connector

•Converter

Examples of Dynamic Modelling: 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 5 - 12). 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.