Beginning computer-based modelling in primary schools

Abstract

This paper describes an investigation of how children in primary schools can start to build their own models on a computer and what skills are inherent in this modelling process. The study focused on qualitative modelling using a rule-based expert system shell, Expert Builder, which made the knowledge structure and inference mechanism clearly visible to and manipulable by the user through a graphical user interface. The study was conducted within typical classroom contexts where pupils worked in groups on various activities. Towards the end of the study some of the pupils were able to structure and develop models without any help. An analysis of the pupils' activities was carried out using elements of learning taxonomies developed by Ennis, Kyllonen and Shute and Sternberg. A combination of the approaches of these three taxonomies enabled the clarification of specific modelling skills and general learning skills involved in modelling activities and provides one way of comparing modelling activities in terms of their component skills although it takes no account of the social interactions that also played an important part in the activities in this study. The national curriculum attainment target suggests that being able to build models on a computer is at attainment level 6 or 7 that is only likely to be reached by pupils over the age of 11. This study has shown that computer-based qualitative modelling can be successfully undertaken as collaborative group work by children aged 8–11.