Teaching With ModelsTeaching With Models

Dr. Jatinder SinghDr. Jatinder SinghWebsite Editor – IJPWebsite Editor – IJPDept. of PharmacologyDept. of Pharmacology

Government Medical College, Amritsar 143 001Government Medical College, Amritsar 143 001

jatindersingh@vsnl.comjatindersingh@vsnl.com

What is a Model?What is a Model? A model is a simplified representation of a A model is a simplified representation of a

system, which concentrates attention on specific system, which concentrates attention on specific aspects of the system. aspects of the system.

Models enable different aspects of the system; Models enable different aspects of the system; objects, events, or ideas which are either objects, events, or ideas which are either complex, or on a different scale to that which is complex, or on a different scale to that which is normally perceived, or is abstract.normally perceived, or is abstract.

These are rendered either visible or more readily These are rendered either visible or more readily visiblevisible

ModelsModels

Conceptual Mathematical

Statistical Visual

Physical Analog

Compare

Reality

Physical ModelsPhysical Models

Interactive physical models of systems can be Interactive physical models of systems can be easily observed and manipulated and have easily observed and manipulated and have characteristics similar to key features of more characteristics similar to key features of more complex systems in the real world.complex systems in the real world.

These models can help bridge the gap between These models can help bridge the gap between conceptual models and models of more complex conceptual models and models of more complex real world systems.real world systems.

The most recognisable type of models.The most recognisable type of models.

Why Use Models?Why Use Models?

Provide an environment for interactive Provide an environment for interactive student activity. student activity.

Enhance systems thinking abilities Enhance systems thinking abilities Models and model development are useful Models and model development are useful

for helping students learn quantitative skills for helping students learn quantitative skills such as graphical analysis, visualization, such as graphical analysis, visualization, statistics and computational skillsstatistics and computational skills

“…“….evidence suggests that with the use of .evidence suggests that with the use of activity based science programs, teachers activity based science programs, teachers can expect substantially improved can expect substantially improved performances in science processes”performances in science processes”

Bredderman, T. “What Research Says: Activity Science - The Bredderman, T. “What Research Says: Activity Science - The Evidence Shows it Matters,” Evidence Shows it Matters,” Science and ChildrenScience and Children (1982), 1, pp. 39- (1982), 1, pp. 39-41. 41.

Why Use Models? contd…Why Use Models? contd…Model construction is a way of improving Model construction is a way of improving

thinking skills and enhance collaborative thinking skills and enhance collaborative efforts.efforts.

Encourage logic, reasoning and creativity-Encourage logic, reasoning and creativity-all assets to the scientific thought process.all assets to the scientific thought process.

An important reason to use a model is that An important reason to use a model is that one can perform experiments without one can perform experiments without harming the system of interest. harming the system of interest.

How to use Models-Technical aspectsHow to use Models-Technical aspects

Acquiring the models or ideas in a useable Acquiring the models or ideas in a useable form. form.

Identification and use of the proper Identification and use of the proper equipment and components for physical equipment and components for physical models. models.

The models should possess a scope for The models should possess a scope for manipulating the modelling environment. manipulating the modelling environment.

Models can be used to introduce specific Models can be used to introduce specific content. content.

Models can be used to explore "What-if" Models can be used to explore "What-if" scenarios. scenarios.

Models can be used explore the sensitivity of a Models can be used explore the sensitivity of a system to variations in its different components. system to variations in its different components.

Models can be used for evaluation during Models can be used for evaluation during examinations.examinations.

Decide on the purpose of the model

Collect information and data

Produce a conceptual model

Consider scope and limitation of model

Modify conceptual model

Construct physical model

Design and perform tests

Purpose fulfilled

Test Failed Test Passed

Reject Conceptual Model

Modelling!

ValidationValidationImportant aspect of the process.Important aspect of the process.Done at two levels:Done at two levels:

The conceptual model by undertaking a dry-runThe conceptual model by undertaking a dry-runValidation of results of the test and analyzing Validation of results of the test and analyzing

them for their corroboration with the real-life them for their corroboration with the real-life purpose of the model.purpose of the model.

Documentation of the process of making the Documentation of the process of making the model should be done to ensure model should be done to ensure reproducibility.reproducibility.

Successful modeling involves a clear perception ofSuccessful modeling involves a clear perception of why a model is being produced.why a model is being produced. the audience that would make use of it.the audience that would make use of it.

Construction of the model only requires Construction of the model only requires inexpensive materials, which can be found around inexpensive materials, which can be found around the classroom or purchased at scientific stores.the classroom or purchased at scientific stores.

Above all - SimplicityAbove all - Simplicity

ExamplesExamples

Models can range from the downright Models can range from the downright simple to the more sophisticatedsimple to the more sophisticated

Please pass the cauliflower……

MODEL DEMONSTRATINGCARDIOVASCULAR PRINCIPLES

Model for intravenous injectionModel for intravenous injection

Model for IV InjectionModel for IV InjectionObjective - a model to teach IV injecting skills.Objective - a model to teach IV injecting skills.External appearance - reasonably resembles a External appearance - reasonably resembles a

hand and forearmhand and forearmTexture - not very similar to skinTexture - not very similar to skinAdvantages: Advantages:

Easy to makeEasy to makeCan be reusedCan be reusedCan be used for testing in OSPECan be used for testing in OSPEStudents can use for practiceStudents can use for practice

ConclusionConclusion Models provide a supplement to traditional teachingModels provide a supplement to traditional teaching The construction and subsequent manipulation of a The construction and subsequent manipulation of a

model demonstrates many important principles. model demonstrates many important principles. The model should be designedThe model should be designed

with clearly defined goalswith clearly defined goals relevant contentrelevant content questions and answersquestions and answers

…… ……all of these ensure a positive cooperative all of these ensure a positive cooperative learning experience for both students and instructors.learning experience for both students and instructors.