The above drawing is an example from a student who is using a model to explain why a thick string results in a different pitch or frequency than a thin string. (using a model to explain a phenomenon)
Student Survey Results
Results of a twice yearly schoolwide TRIPOD survey administered by DR. Curtis Jones from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, at Hong Kong International School in November of 2023.
This is an example from a Middle School Science teacher who uses Modeling Instruction.
Their score is given (the black dot) for comparison with the schoolwide average. (green is the upper % of the average and yellow is the lower % of the average)
Notice that the area of Control stands out as a “below the norm” score, as students are not accustomed to this very hands-on and student-centered method of learning and do not view the classroom as being as “orderly” as their other classes. However, in the areas of Challenge, Captivate, and Confer students see this class as being exceptional relative to the norm.
Student Testimonials (from anonymous student surveys)
““I like what we’re learning and how we are learning”.
“I like how we do physical experiments with tools”
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““I like how we do real science because I feel like a real scientist””
““I enjoy how we have collaborative discussions””
““What I like best about this class is that most of our class time is spent engaging in work (not having very long lectures)”.
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Teacher Testimonials (from Modeling Instruction Workshops)
““I enjoyed being a student again and appreciating the diversity in perspectives that whiteboard communication brings among all of us. Seeing the importance of hearing all voices.””
“Modeling is a great learning tool, to help show student thinking as they work through an increasingly-complex sequence of phenomena”
“I really appreciate that this method can be used K-university. I feel like it takes a long time, but could be used a few times a year to dig into core concepts and strengthen their NoS concepts early and often.”
“I enjoyed the challenge of the energy bar charts and learning about multiple ways to represent energy changes.”