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- Title
An epistemological approach to modeling: Cases studies and implications for science teaching.
- Authors
Sensevy, Gérard; Tiberghien, Andrée; Santini, Jérôme; Laubé, Sylvain; Griggs, Peter
- Abstract
Models and modeling are a major issue in science studies and in science education. In addressing such an issue, we first propose an epistemological discussion based on the works of Cartwright (1983, 1999), Fleck (1935/1979), and Hacking (1983). This leads us to emphasize the transitions between the abstract and the concrete in the modeling process, by using the notions of nomogical machine (Cartwright, 1999), language game (Wittgenstein, 1953/1997), and thought style (Fleck, 1935/1979). Then, in the light of our epistemological approach, we study four cases coming from the implementations of research-based design activities (SESAMES, 2007). These four case studies illustrate how students are engaged in constructing relations between the abstract and the concrete through modeling activities, by elaborating at the same time specific language games and appropriate thought styles. Finally, we draw some implications for science teaching. It is suggested that considering didactic nomological machines as embedding knowledge on the one hand, and classes as thought collectives, on the other hand, may relevantly contribute to science education and science education research. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed92:424–446, 2008
- Subjects
SCIENCE education; TEACHING methods; SIMULATION methods &; models; ASSESSMENT of education; THEORY of knowledge; CASE studies
- Publication
Science Education, 2008, Vol 92, Issue 3, p424
- ISSN
0036-8326
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1002/sce.20268