Model Building Systems

From the paper:

The Integrated Modelling Project is a collaboration between King’s College London and the Advisory Unit, Hatfield in the United Kingdom.  The project proposes to undertake research and software development of the learning of formal modelling skills and concepts.  As a strategy to disseminate the software and research findings, the project is also developing applications of the software which are based in specific curriculum areas
A major focus of the research is to understand what are the conceptual problems associated with modelling in order to guide future software development.  Case-studies of uses of modelling in education, in a range of disciplines will be published to help teachers understand what modelling involves.
Modelling
The project conceives of modelling as the formal representation of a system of interacting elements.  The interaction may be quantitative or qualitative.  The computer can help the learner express their model by checking the syntax of model elements and relationships.  The computer also helps by executing the model which enables the user to test the model’s validity and to revise the model.  Simulation is the act of executing a model through a user interface.  The user as an influence on model behaviour is important and permits more extensive testing.
Developing models
Many modelling texts consider the overall process for modelling a system.  In most cases they do not consider enough detail or take the learners point of view.
In particular, I propose that there are several steps in the formulation of a model, which may not be undertaken serially.  These include identification of a system boundary and the system level, identifying elements, characterising individual elements, identifying relationships and characterising relationships.  Evaluation of a model may also have many sub-steps.
Software which can support these steps may well be more successful  for learners than that which hides them.
Presentation
It is also important to consider the purpose that a learner modeller has in mind when undertaking a modelling task.  Modelling is an abstract process which is not necessarily engaging for the majority of learners.
The Integrated Modelling Project considers that modelling should be seen as a communicative act for learners to present their ideas to their peers or teachers.  Picturing the whole system being modelled as a starting point may well prove a good introduction for some learners.  As a matter of principle it may be helpful if model elements are matched with graphic elements on the computer screen.