Qualitative model patterns: a toolkit for learning by modelling

This paper presents a toolkit of model patterns, pieces of model structures that may be reused to create models and represent typical ecological systems behaviour. These patterns are used to support learners to build their own models, in activities aiming at learning by modelling. After analysing a sample of 94 models produced in the DynaLearn project (www.DynaLearn.eu) and identifying 385 occurrences of patterns a classification of six classes of basic patterns, in which only direct influences and proportionalities are involved is proposed. The systems’ behaviours captured by these patterns are linear or exponential growth and decay. Some basic patterns can be combined to create more complex patterns and to capture complex behaviours, e.g. two state variables interacting in a direct negative feedback to produce oscillations and cycles. A third group of patterns are based on the refinement of model structures based on basic patterns, by using exogenous quantities, correspondences and conditional knowledge to get specific systems’ behaviours. The role of model patterns in a curriculum is further discussed. Finally, an example of how model patterns may be applied to support learners in model building activities is presented.