Investigating Student Understanding of Models and Model Use in Science Education Through Analysis of Discourse

• In Event: Poster Session 5
  In Poster Session: Science Teaching and Learning SIG Poster Session

Abstract

In this study we analyzed student modeling-based learning (MbL) discourse data to investigate young students’ understandings of models and models use in science. We used rich case studies of MbL of forty-eight fifth grade students in three different classes, who met with the same teacher once a week for a total of seven months. Transcripts from videotaped conversations and the models constructed by the students served as the primary sources of data. Findings revealed insights on fifth grade students’ model competence, regarding the nature of their models, the existence of multiple models, the purpose of their models, the process of testing and changing models. These findings have implications on how modeling should be approached in young ages.

Authors

• Loucas T. Louca, European University Cyprus

• Zacharias C. Zacharia, University of Cyprus