Schematic modeling for meaningful learning of physics

Abstract

Schematic modeling is presented as an epistemologic framework for physics instruction. According to schematic modeling, models comprise the content core of scientific knowledge, and modeling is a major process for constructing and employing this knowledge. A model is defined by its composition and structure and is situated in a theory by its domain and organization. Modeling involves model selection, construction, validation, analysis, and deployment. Two groups of Lebanese high school and college students participated in problem-solving tutorials that followed a schematic modeling approach. Both groups improved significantly in problem-solving performance, and course achievement of students in the college group was significantly better than that of their control peers. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.