Models & Modeling

Learner-Centered
Environments
By making a model, the students have to know
how the object works and the important
characteristics that the object has. Looking at
student models is a great way to see how
students think and help them build on what they
already know about the thing they are modeling.
Knowledge-Centered
Environments
Using models helps the students to understand
exactly what is going on with the object they are
modeling. This skill to see how an object works
and how to build a model of it is strongly affected
by reasoning. Being able to reason is essential in
solving any problem because you have to be able
to find the answer but also know why and how
you got this answer.
Assessment-Centered
Environments
Deductive reasoning and inductive reasoning are
the two main types of reasoning that are
important in this perspective. Deductive
reasoning is widely used in assessments while
inductive reasoning is used in the lessons and
group work of the class. The use of model-
eliciting activities in the classroom are great ways
of having students apply their inductive reasoning
skills which in turn will help with deductive
reasoning. Therefore giving students feedback
on their assessments will help improve both types
of reasoning.
Community-Centered
Environments
There would be many ways to incorporate the
community into this perspective by building a
strong classroom community where students can
work together on models and not judge others.
There would also be room for building models of
something in the community and then going and
visiting the actual thing you are modeling.