I like the central theme about Gibbons' (2000) model-centered instruction is that effective and efficient instruction takes place through experiencing models with various support of instructional augmentations to faciliate learning from that experience. Specifically, I can see MCI as an external to internal instructional approach in which learning from externalized models supplant the internalized knowledge models. there is a constant flow of meaning negotiate between external and internal models.
The 7 principles of model-centered instruction helps frame the practical aspects of desigining learning environments to support model-centered learning. Of all the principles, I am intrigued by Denaturing - a artifical way of modeling the real system to match target learner's existing knowledge and goals.
Model-centric thinking is literally systems thinking. This form of thinking sees problem at the marco level which then provides the foundation to seeing the inner workings of the problem at the micro level. As such, modeling faciliates the ability to see problem as a whole rather than sum of its parts. This is my epiphany!
Indeed, I see strong links between complex problem solving and modeling as a tool in the Instructional Designer's toolbox, and model-centered instruction as prescribing instruction to the learner in the model-centered learning environment.
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2 comments:
Nelson,
I like the way you put this: "Modeling facilitates the ability to see problems as a whole..." I definitely think that is true. Complex systems are hard to wrap our brains around (e.g. only handling a few processes/variables at once), so making a model gives our brain that framework in which to put the "high number" of variables so that we can handle them all.
Now, can simulations, virtual reality, and games do the same thing? Or are they just ways to "ease students into" the modeling (they then have the "experience" with the system to understand or begin to build a model)?
Mark, to address your question, "Can simulations, virtual reality, and games do the same thing?"
I tend to think that these applications are learning from modeling instead of learning by building models, which provides more robust learning experiences.
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