Interactive computer assessment and analysis of students’ ability in scientific modeling

Abstract

Scientific modeling (SM) is a core scientific practice and critical for students’ scientific literacy. Previous research has not used interactive computer assessment to investigate students’ SM ability. This study aimed to explore an effective way in human-computer interaction to reveal the challenges faced by students in the four-element process of constructing, using, evaluating, and revising models. Contextualized in the solar system, eleven interactive tasks assessed 419 students in grades 4, 7, and 10. Results indicated that “model evaluation” and “model revision” were more difficult for students than “model construction” and “model use.” Grade significantly predicted students’ SM ability (p<.001). The interaction with re-answer according to feedback promoted students’ in-depth reflection and performance in SM. Findings of the study may provide a basis for improving students’ SM ability.

The Development of Scientific Modeling Skill Assessment for Grade 6 Students

“…Comparing this assessment model to previous studies(Hardcastle et al, 2019;Justi, 2009;Lin et al, 2022;Mayer & Krajcik, 2021;Zhai et al, 2022), several distinctions can be observed. While previous studies have explored scientific modeling skill assessment, the current study goes beyond addressing the specific needs and requirements of Thai students.…”

“…Several studies have been conducted on assessing scientific modeling skills (Hardcastle et al, 2019;Justi, 2009;Lin et al, 2022;Mayer & Krajcik, 2021;Zhai et al, 2022). For example, Hardcastle et al (2019) utilized a rubric scoring model to assess scientific modeling skills.…”

“…This model involved assessing the development of a plan, design of the plan, execution, and evaluation. Lin et al (2022) employed an interactive computer assessment to evaluate scientific modeling skills. The assessment process involved constructing a 2D model of planet positions or sizes in the solar system based on prior knowledge.…”

Thinking and Practicing Like a Scientist?

“…What students understand about the nature of scientists' work and the relationship between this understanding and students' motivation to pursue their future science-related careers needs more study. In addition, future research may need to explore the relationships between students' mental images of scientists' characters and the ways students engage in scientific practices such as argumentation (Chen et al, 2022;Phua & Tan, 2018), modeling (Ke & Schwarz, 2021;Lin et al, 2022), and sensemaking (Gutierez, 2019;Odden & Russ, 2019).…”