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Expert models and modeling processes associated with a computer‐modeling tool
Author(s) -
Zhang BaoHui,
Liu Xiufeng,
Krajcik Joseph S.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
science education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.209
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1098-237X
pISSN - 0036-8326
DOI - 10.1002/sce.20129
Subject(s) - computer science , scientific modelling , premise , process (computing) , process modeling , causal model , subject matter expert , think aloud protocol , artificial intelligence , human–computer interaction , data science , expert system , usability , engineering , work in process , medicine , philosophy , linguistics , operations management , epistemology , pathology , operating system
Holding the premise that the development of expertise is a continuous process, this study concerns expert models and modeling processes associated with a modeling tool called Model‐It. Five advanced Ph.D. students in environmental engineering and public health used Model‐It to create and test models of water quality. Using “think aloud” technique and video recording, we captured their computer screen modeling activities and thinking processes. We also interviewed them the day following their modeling sessions to further probe the rationale of their modeling practices. We analyzed both the audio–video transcripts and the experts' models. We found the experts' modeling processes followed the linear sequence built in the modeling program with few instances of moving back and forth. They specified their goals up front and spent a long time thinking through an entire model before acting. They specified relationships with accurate and convincing evidence. Factors (i.e., variables) in expert models were clustered, and represented by specialized technical terms. Based on the above findings, we made suggestions for improving model‐based science teaching and learning using Model‐It. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 90 :579–2604, 2006