Enhancing Learning through Integrated Model Development Activities

Abstract

Teaching model development to students is a critical link between the abstraction in textbook examples and the complexity of real world problems. This paper presents a plan for enhancing student learning in a classroom setting where a key component of the plan is active student engagement throughout the entire process. As students develop the simplified models for analysis, these are then investigated through multiple modes, including active physical demonstrations and computer simulations. This results in a guided laboratory-like experience in a lecture setting that involves students in discussing the purpose of the lab; predicting what will happen during the lab; discussing available theories (to help explain what happens); and comparing observations to predictions.  The process requires high level thinking to occur at all stages of the process, particularly during both physical system and computer simulation demonstrations. The application of this process in an undergraduate dynamics and vibrations course is discussed.