A framework is presented for thinking about cognitive factors involved in model construction in the classroom that can help us organize the research problems in this area and the articles in this issue. The framework connects concepts such as: expert consensus model, target model, intermediate models, preconceptions, learning processes, and natural reasoning skills. By connecting and elaborating on these major areas, the articles in this issue have succeeded in moving us another step toward having a theory of conceptual change that can provide guidance to teachers in the form of instructional principles. Taken together, the articles remind us that individual cognition, while not the only factor in learning, is a central determining feature of learning. However, we must work to further develop the present partial theory of conceptual change to fill in the missing cognitive core of the present shell.

Model Based Learning as a Key Research Area for Science Education

This empirical research aims to propose and examine an online teaching approach that embeds modeling-eliciting activities (MEA). The approach guides teachers to create a well-interactive online learning environment and improve the conceptual learning and professional skills of engineering undergraduates. The professional skills are defined as critical thinking and collaboration. A structured teaching procedure was implemented sequentially by task introduction, problem description, performance analysis, structural optimization, and solution discussion. The six principles of MEA were organically integrated with the teaching procedure, creating a inspiring, open-ended, and teamwork learning environment. The instruments used to collect data included conceptual learning tests, design report evaluations, learning reflection analyses, and interaction statistics. The findings suggested that the MEA-embedded online courses have significant advantages for improving learners’ conceptual learning and professional skills. The proposed approach guides the learners to make appropriate decisions and practical actions, enhancing their critical thinking. The MEA inspires learners’ positive attitudes and high participation, providing an emotional basis for group collaboration. The discussions on the open topics and thought process reflections create a collaborative environment. Besides, the statistics on the online teaching platform show that the MEA has a significant role for interaction promotion in the online course.

https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/ielx7/6287639/6514899/09861596.pdf

Modeling-Eliciting Activities in an Online Engineering Course for Improving Conceptual Learning, Professional Skill, Interaction

This empirical research aims to propose and examine an online teaching approach that embeds modeling-eliciting activities (MEA). The approach guides teachers to create a well-interactive online learning environment and improve the conceptual learning and professional skills of engineering undergraduates. The professional skills are defined as critical thinking and collaboration. A structured teaching procedure was implemented sequentially by task introduction, problem description, performance analysis, structural optimization, and solution discussion. The six principles of MEA were organically integrated with the teaching procedure, creating a inspiring, open-ended, and teamwork learning environment. The instruments used to collect data included conceptual learning tests, design report evaluations, learning reflection analyses, and interaction statistics. The findings suggested that the MEA-embedded online courses have significant advantages for improving learners&#x2019; conceptual learning and professional skills. The proposed approach guides the learners to make appropriate decisions and practical actions, enhancing their critical thinking. The MEA inspires learners&#x2019; positive attitudes and high participation, providing an emotional basis for group collaboration. The discussions on the open topics and thought process reflections create a collaborative environment. Besides, the statistics on the online teaching platform show that the MEA has a significant role for interaction promotion in the online course. 

Neil A. Knoblach

Papers

A Design Process for Developing Agricultural Life Science-Focused Model Eliciting Activities.