Beyond Standard Models—Meeting the Challenge of Modelling

Abstract

This paper reports on a project that incorporated mathematical modelling within a pre-university subject at a secondary college. The program emphasised modelling rather than models and extended over two years. A qualitative methodology was used to evaluate the program with information collected in a variety of forms including student written reports, oral interviews, video reports, diaries, questionnaire data, as well as informal observation. The program was evaluated in terms of five criteria derived from the stated aims. Erom the synthesis and triangulation of the data it was inferred that the program aims were achieved to an encouraging degree. The paper describes and illustrates key aspects of the program and its evaluation.