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The role of model building in problem solving and conceptual change |
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| Authors: | Chwee Beng Lee David Jonassen Timothy Teo |
| Institution: | 1. Learning Sciences and Technologies Academic Group 1 Nanyang Walk, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University , Nanyang, Singapore , 637616chweebeng.lee@nie.edu.sg;3. Department of Educational Psychology and Learning Technologies , University of Missouri-Columbia , Missouri, 65202, USA;4. Learning Sciences and Technologies Academic Group 1 Nanyang Walk, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University , Nanyang, Singapore , 637616 |
| Abstract: | This study examines the effects of the activity of building systems models for school-based problems on problem solving and on conceptual change in elementary science classes. During a unit on the water cycle in an Asian elementary school, students constructed systems models of the water cycle. We found that representing ill-structured problems as system models improves problem solving as well as creating beneficial conceptual change related to the topic. |
| Keywords: | elementary education simulations interactive learning environments |