A second order cybernetic model of scientific conceptual understanding with pedagogical applications to kinematics

• Main Authors: Louis Trudel, Abdeljalil Métioui
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: International Institute of Informatics and Cybernetics 2012-02-01
• Series: Journal of Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics
• Subjects: Kinematics; Science Teaching; Conceptual Understanding; Learning Model; Conceptual Network
• Online Access: http://www.iiisci.org/Journal/CV$/sci/pdfs/HEA062AW.pdf

Even if difficulties of the students in sciences are diversified, most seem linked to deficiencies in their understanding of basic concepts. Since about twenty years, different researches tried to bring solutions in this problem, favouring the multiplication of directives that can be applied to science education. To integrate their results, we offer a second order cybernetic model of scientific conceptual understanding which allows, not only to describe all the paths learners took to understand, but also to choose instructional strategies of education appropriate to do so. We illustrate the application of this model to the teaching of the kinematical concepts of speed and acceleration. As a conclusion, we draw limits of the model and make suggestions for future research.