HR: 0830h
AN: ED31C-1177    [PDF]
TI: Teaching With Models: A Starting Point Resource Module
AU: * MacKay, R M
EM: rmackay@clark.edu
AF: Clark College Physics and Meteorology, 1800 E McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98663 United States
AU: Manduca, C A
EM: cmanduca@carleton.edu
AF: Science Education Resource Center, Carleton College, One North College St., Northfield, MN 55057 United States
AB: The use of models in entry-level geoscience classes provides an ideal framework for the creation of interactive student-centered learning environments while providing opportunities to introduce students to an important and useful tool. To assist faculty in using models in entry-level courses, we have created a website "Teaching with Models" which is part of "Starting Point", a website aimed at supporting faculty teaching entry-level geoscience with information and materials. The "Teaching with Models" site provides: a definition/clarification of modeling in an introductory geoscience education context; a discussion of when and where different model types are useful and why one would want to use them to promote student learning; a description of how to effectively use models, including pedagogical and technical issues; and specific modeling examples. This basic structure of what, when and why, how, and examples is repeated at various levels throughout the website. We define "model" very broadly to include five model types: conceptual or mental models; physical models; mathematical models; statistical models; and visualization models. We identify three key motivating factors supporting the usefulness of models in introductory geoscience education: 1) The extensive use of models by professional geoscientists suggests that introductory geoscience students should be exposed to the basic philosophy and usefulness of models; 2) Models provide an excellent framework for the creation of interactive student-centered learning environments; and 3) Many concepts from systems thinking and Earth-system science are ideally suited to the use of models. Our presentation will include assessment results based on student surveys for a Fall 2003 introductory Earth's Climate course and a description of several "Teaching with Models" modeling examples available online at: http://serc.carleton.edu/introgeo/models/index.html.
UR: http://serc.carleton.edu/introgeo/
DE: 1600 GLOBAL CHANGE (New category)
DE: 6605 Education
SC: Education and Human Resources [ED]
MN: 2003 Fall Meeting