DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.21674

Summary
The study focuses on how computer modelling enhances the middle school students’ understanding of relationships that exist in systems. The research questions were based on determining the differences between computer and paper modelling approaches from the perspective of causal thinking development and classroom interactions. The authors present the methodology of the quasi experiment and the experiment environment, namely, number of students, their profile, classroom interactions, activities (brainstorming, paper and computer modeling). They provide results of statistical ANOVA analysis to compare the results of student groups who were introduced to either paper of computer modelling. The results of the experiment also include the analysis of dialogues during classroom activities. The authors conclude that the computer modelling used in the education process enriches students’ system thinking and causal coherence.

Relevance for Complex Systems Knowledge
The authors present a research on the impact of computer modelling compared to paper modelling in middle school activities to students’ understanding of complex interconnected systems. Eight classes of sixth graders had to work in groups and to solve a problem related to park ecosystem. Besides the teachers, park educators, scientists and researchers were involved in this educational project. The control group had to present their model on paper and the treatment group had to use computer modelling. In both cases, the system components were connected with arrows which specified links and magnitude of the relation. The educational tool enabled students to simulate the behavior of their model under different conditions, theories and existing data. This resulted in a significantly higher skills in determining evidence and causal links. The authors state that teachers play a critical role in enacting computer modelling activities and encouraging students to facilitate their inquiries and experiment under different conditions.

Point of Strength
The point of strength of this article is a research how computer modelling can be applied in classroom activities. The authors state that compared to paper modelling, computer modelling results in enriched systems thinking, especially evidence and causal coherence.