The Design and Trial of a Learning Environment Based on Model Construction Approach to Instruction Aimed at Improving Concept Learning and Modeling Practices

The Design and Trial of a Learning Environment Based on Model Construction Approach to Instruction Aimed at Improving Concept Learning and Modeling Practices   M. Maaleki* H. FarDaanesh, Ph.D.** E. Talaa’ee, Ph.D.*** J. Haatami, Ph.D.****   Model construction is an integrated approach aimed at a better understanding and acquisition of scientific/epistemological concepts and skills. To try this approach, a special learning environment was designed and constructed for the 8th grade science course. A number of experts and science teachers were consulted and related research literature was reviewed. Then a set of 50 female 8th graders were selected and divided into two groups, one of which participated in the course activities within the designed setting using the provided technologies. Data analyses show that the experimental group learned the concepts much better than the control group, just as they did in regard to the modeling practices.   Keywords: model construction, science, conceptual learning, modeling practices, modeling-based learning    _______________________ Date received: Sep. 17, 2017                   Date accepted: Apr. 11, 2018 * Doctoral student in Educational Technology, Tarbiyat Modares University, Tehran. [email protected] ** Associate Professor of Education, Tarbiyat Modares University, Tehran (Corresponding Author): [email protected] *** Assistant Professor of Education, Tarbiyat Modares University, Tehran. [email protected] **** Associate Professor of Education, Tarbiyat Modares University, Tehran. [email protected]