Skip to main content

Modelling Competencies: Past Development and Further Perspectives

  • Chapter
Mathematical Modelling in Education Research and Practice

Abstract

This chapter aims to describe the understanding of modelling competencies and how it has developed since the establishment of the conference series “International Conference on the Teaching of Mathematical Modelling and Applications” in the early eighties of the last century. Based on these descriptions and the distinction of different strands of the modelling competency debate, the chapter will point out, how the discussion has evolved. Using as example an empirical study on the structure of modelling competency, namely holistic versus analytic, and a comparison of two approaches to foster modelling competencies, namely a holistic versus an atomistic approach, it will be pointed out that possible future developments will be based on more sophisticated psychometrical methods for the measurement of modelling competencies leading to comprehensive descriptions of ‘modelling competency’.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Berry, J. S., Burghes, D. N., Huntley, I. D., James, D. J. G., & Moscardini, A. O. (Eds.). (1984). Teaching and applying mathematical modelling. Chichester: Ellis Horwood.

    Google Scholar 

  • Berry, J. S., Burghes, D. N., Huntley, I. D., James, D. J. G., & Moscardini, A. O. (Eds.). (1986). Mathematical modelling methodology, models and micros. Chichester: Ellis Horwood.

    Google Scholar 

  • Berry, J. S., Burghes, D. N., Huntley, I. D., James, D. J. G., & Moscardini, A. O. (Eds.). (1987). Mathematical modelling courses. Chichester: Ellis Horwood.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blomhøj, M., & Højgaard Jensen, T. (2003). Developing mathematical modelling competence: Conceptual clarification and educational planning. Teaching Mathematics and Its Applications, 22(3), 123–139.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Blomhøj, M., & Højgaard Jensen, T. (2007). What’s all the fuss about competencies? In W. Blum, P. L. Galbraith, H.-W. Henn, & M. Niss (Eds.), Modelling and applications in mathematics education: The 14th ICMI study (pp. 45–56). New York: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Blomhøj, M., & Kjeldsen, T. (2011). Students’ reflections in mathematical modelling projects. In G. Kaiser, W. Blum, R. Borromeo Ferri, & G. Stillman (Eds.), Trends in teaching and learning of mathematical modelling (ICTMA 14) (pp. 385–395). Dordrecht: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Blum, W. (2011). Can modelling be taught and learnt? Some answers from empirical research. In G. Kaiser, W. Blum, R. Borromeo Ferri, & G. Stillman (Eds.), Trends in teaching and learning of mathematical modelling (ICTMA 14) (pp. 15–30). Dordrecht: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Blum, W., & Niss, M. (1989). Mathematical problem solving, modelling, applications, and links to other subjects: State, trends and issues in mathematics instruction. In W. Blum, M. Niss, & I. Huntley (Eds.), Modelling, applications and applied problem solving (pp. 1–21). Chichester: Ellis Horwood.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blum, W., Berry, J. S., Biehler, R., Huntley, I. D., Kaiser-Messmer, G., & Profke, L. (Eds.). (1989). Applications and modelling in learning and teaching mathematics. Chichester: Ellis Horwood.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blum, W., Galbraith, P. L., Henn, H.-W., & Niss, M. (Eds.). (2007). Modelling and applications in mathematics education: The 14th ICMI study. New York: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brand, S. (2014a). Erwerb von Modellierungskompetenzen. Empirischer Vergleich eines holistischen und eines atomistischen Ansatzes zur Förderung von Modellierungskompetenzen. Wiesbaden: Springer Spektrum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brand, S. (2014b). Effects of a holistic versus an atomistic modelling approach on students’ mathematical modelling competencies. In P. Liljedahl, C. Nicol, S. Oesterle & D. Allan (Eds.), Proceedings of the Joint Meeting of PME 38 and PME-NA 36, Vol. 2 (pp. 185–192). Vancouver: PME.

    Google Scholar 

  • Burghes, D. N. (1984). Prologue. In J. S. Berry, D. N. Burghes, I. D. Huntley, D. J. G. James, & A. O. Moscardini (Eds.), Teaching and applying mathematical modelling (pp. xi–xvi). Chichester: Ellis Horwood.

    Google Scholar 

  • Crouch, R., & Haines, C. (2007). Exemplar models: Expert-novice student behaviours. In C. Haines, P. Galbraith, W. Blum, & S. Khan (Eds.), Mathematical modelling (ICTMA 12): Education, engineering and economics (pp. 90–109). Chichester: Ellis Horwood.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • De Bock, D., Van Dooren, W., & Janssens, D. (2007). Studying and remedying students’ modelling competencies: Routine behaviour or adaptive expertise. In W. Blum, P. L. Galbraith, H.-W. Henn, & M. Niss (Eds.), Modelling and applications in mathematics education: The 14th ICMI study (pp. 241–248). New York: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Engel, J., & Kuntze, S. (2011). From data to functions: Connecting modelling competencies and statistical literacy. In G. Kaiser, W. Blum, R. Borromeo Ferri, & G. Stillman (Eds.), Trends in teaching and learning of mathematical modelling (pp. 397–406). Dordrecht: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Flavell, J. H. (1976). Metacognitive aspects of problem solving. In L. B. Resnick (Ed.), The nature of intelligence (pp. 231–235). Hillsdale: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Francis, B., & Hobbs, D. (1991). Enterprising mathematics: A context-based course with context-based assessment. In M. Niss, W. Blum, & I. Huntley (Eds.), Teaching of mathematical modelling and applications (pp. 147–157). Chichester: Ellis Horwood.

    Google Scholar 

  • Frejd, P. (2013). Modes of modelling assessment – A literature review. Educational Studies in Mathematics, 84(3), 413–438.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Frejd, P., & Ärlebäck, J. B. (2011). First results from a study investigating Swedish upper secondary students’ mathematical modelling competencies. In G. Kaiser, W. Blum, R. Borromeo Ferri, & G. Stillman (Eds.), Trends in teaching and learning of mathematical modelling (pp. 407–416). Dordrecht: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Galbraith, P., Stillman, G., Brown, J., & Edwards, I. (2007). Facilitating middle secondary modelling competencies. In C. Haines, P. Galbraith, W. Blum, & S. Khan (Eds.), Mathematical modelling (ICTMA 12): Education, engineering and economics (pp. 130–140). Chichester: Ellis Horwood.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Gillespie, J. (1993). Numeracy to mathematics. In J. de Lange, C. Keitel, I. Huntley, & M. Niss (Eds.), Innovation in maths education by modelling and applications (pp. 311–321). Chichester: Ellis Horwood.

    Google Scholar 

  • Greer, B., & Verschaffel, L. (2007). Modelling competencies – Overview. In W. Blum, P. L. Galbraith, H.-W. Henn, & M. Niss (Eds.), Modelling and applications in mathematics education: The 14th ICMI study (pp. 219–224). New York: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Haines, C. R., & Crouch, R. M. (2001). Recognising constructs within mathematical modelling. Teaching Mathematics and Its Applications, 20(3), 129–138.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haines, C., & Crouch, R. (2006). Getting to grips with real world contexts: developing research in mathematical modeling. In M. Bosch (Ed.), CERME 4 – Conference of European research in mathematics education (pp. 1655–1665). Guixols: European Society for Research in Mathematics Education.

    Google Scholar 

  • Haines, C., & Crouch, R. (2007). Mathematical modelling and applications: Ability and competence frameworks. In W. Blum, P. L. Galbraith, H.-W. Henn, & M. Niss (Eds.), Modelling and applications in mathematics education: The 14th ICMI study (pp. 417–424). New York: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Haines, C., & Izard, J. (1995). Assessment in context for mathematical modelling. In C. Sloyer, W. Blum, & I. Huntley (Eds.), Advances and perspectives in the teaching of mathematical modelling and applications (pp. 131–149). Yorklyn: Water Street Mathematics.

    Google Scholar 

  • Haines, C., Izard, J., & Le Masurier, D. (1993). Modelling intensions realised: Assessing the full range of developed skills. In T. Breiteig, I. Huntley, & G. Kaiser-Messmer (Eds.), Teaching and learning mathematics in context (pp. 200–211). Chichester: Horwood.

    Google Scholar 

  • Haines, C., Crouch, R., & Davies, J. (2001). Understanding students’ modelling skills. In J. F. Matos, W. Blum, K. Houston, & S. P. Carreira (Eds.), Modelling and mathematics education (ICTMA 9): Applications in science and technology (pp. 366–380). Chichester: Ellis Horwood.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Haines, C., Galbraith, P., Blum, W., & Khan, S. (Eds.). (2007). Mathematical modelling (ICTMA 12): Education, engineering and economics. Chichester: Ellis Horwood.

    Google Scholar 

  • Henn, H.-W. (2011). Why cats happen to fall from the sky or on good and bad models. In G. Kaiser, W. Blum, R. Borromeo Ferri, & G. Stillman (Eds.), Trends in teaching and learning of mathematical modelling (ICTMA 14) (pp. 417–426). Dordrecht: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Henning, H., & Keune, M. (2006). Levels of modelling competence. In M. Bosch (Ed.), CERME 4. Proceedings of the fourth congress on the European society for research in mathematics education (pp. 1666–1674). San Feliude Guixols: European Society for Research in Mathematics Education.

    Google Scholar 

  • Henning, H., & Keune, M. (2007). Levels of modelling competencies. In W. Blum, P. L. Galbraith, H.-W. Henn, & M. Niss (Eds.), Modelling and applications in mathematics education: The 14th ICMI study (pp. 225–232). New York: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Højgaard Jensen, T. (2007). Assessing mathematical modelling competency. In C. P. Haines, P. Galbraith, W. Blum, & S. Khan (Eds.), Mathematical modelling (ICTMA 12): Education, engineering and economics (pp. 141–148). Chichester: Horwood.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Houston, K. (2007). Assessing the “phase” of mathematical modelling. In W. Blum, P. L. Galbraith, H.-W. Henn, & M. Niss (Eds.), Modelling and applications in mathematics education: The 14th ICMI study (pp. 249–256). New York: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Ikeda, T., Stephens, M., & Matsuzaki, A. (2007). A teaching experiment in mathematical modelling. In C. Haines, P. Galbraith, W. Blum, & S. Khan (Eds.), Mathematical modelling (ICTMA 12): Education, engineering and economics (pp. 101–109). Chichester: Ellis Horwood.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Izard, J. (2007). Assessing progress in mathematical modelling. In C. Haines, P. Galbraith, W. Blum, & S. Khan (Eds.), Mathematical modelling (ICTMA 12): Education, engineering and economics (pp. 158–167). Chichester: Ellis Horwood.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Jiang, Q., Xie, J., & Ye, Q. (2007). An introduction to CUMCM. In C. Haines, P. Galbraith, W. Blum, & S. Khan (Eds.), Mathematical modelling (ICTMA 12): Education, engineering and economics (pp. 168–175). Chichester: Ellis Horwood.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Kaiser, G. (2007). Modelling and modelling competencies in school. In C. Haines, P. Galbraith, W. Blum, & S. Khan (Eds.), Mathematical modelling (ICTMA 12): Education, engineering and economics (pp. 110–119). Chichester: Ellis Horwood.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Kaiser, G., & Schwarz, B. (2006). Mathematical modelling as bridge between school and university. Zentralblatt für Didaktik der Mathematik, 38(2), 196–208.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kaiser, G., Blum, W., Borromeo Ferri, R., & Stillman, G. (2011). Trends in teaching and learning of mathematical modelling (ICTMA 14). Dordrecht: Springer.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Kaiser-Meßmer, G. (1986). Anwendungen im Mathematikunterricht (Empirische Untersuchungen, Vol. 2). Bad Salzdetfurth: Franzbecker.

    Google Scholar 

  • Klieme, E., Hartig, J., & Rauch, D. (2008). The concept of competence in educational contexts. In J. Hartig, E. Klieme, & D. Leutner (Eds.), Assessment of competencies in educational contexts: State of the art and future prospects (pp. 3–22). Göttingen: Hogrefe & Huber.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ludwig, M., & Reit, X.-R. (2013). A cross-sectional study about modelling competency in secondary school. In G. A. Stillman, G. Kaiser, W. Blum, & J. P. Brown (Eds.), Teaching mathematical modelling: Connecting to research and practice (pp. 327–337). Dordrecht: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Maaß, K. (2006). What are modelling competencies? ZDM – The International Journal on Mathematics Education, 38(2), 113–142.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maaß, K. (2007). Modelling in class: What do we want the students to learn? In C. Haines, P. Galbraith, W. Blum, & S. Khan (Eds.), Mathematical modelling (ICTMA 12): Education, engineering and economics (pp. 63–78). Chichester: Ellis Horwood.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Matos, J., & Carreira, S. (1995). Cognitive processes and representations involved in applied problem solving. In C. Sloyer, W. Blum, & I. Huntley (Eds.), Advances and perspectives in the teaching of mathematical modelling and applications (pp. 71–80). Yorklyn: Water Street Mathematics.

    Google Scholar 

  • Niss, M. (1993). Assessment of mathematical modelling and applications in mathematics teaching. In J. de Lange, C. Keitel, I. Huntley, & M. Niss (Eds.), Innovation in mathematics education by modelling and applications (pp. 41–51). Chichester: Horwood.

    Google Scholar 

  • Niss, M., & Højgaard, T. (Eds.) (2011). Competencies and mathematical learning. Ideas and inspiration for the development of mathematics teaching and learning in Denmark. Roskilde University: IMFUFA. English translation of Danish original (2002). http://pure.au.dk/portal/files/41669781/THJ11_MN_KOM_in_english.pdf

  • Rost, J. (2004). Lehrbuch Testtheorie – Testkonstruktion (2nd ed.). Bern: Huber.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shavelson, R. (2010). On the measurement of competency. Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training, 2(1), 41–63.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stillman, G. (1998). The emperor’s new clothes? Teaching and assessment of mathematical applications at the senior secondary level. In P. Galbraith, W. Blum, G. Booker, & I. D. Huntley (Eds.), Mathematical modelling: Teaching and assessment in a technology-rich world (pp. 243–253). Chichester: Ellis Horwood.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stillman, G. (2011). Applying metacognitive knowledge and strategies in applications and modelling tasks at secondary school. In G. Kaiser, W. Blum, R. Borromeo Ferri, & G. Stillman (Eds.), Trends in teaching and learning of mathematical modelling (pp. 165–180). Dordrecht: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Stillman, G., & Galbraith, P. (1998). Applying mathematics with real world connections: Metacognitive characteristics of secondary students. Educational Studies in Mathematics, 36(2), 157–195.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Swan, M. (1991). Mathematical modelling for all abilities. In M. Niss, W. Blum, & I. Huntley (Eds.), Teaching of mathematical modelling and applications (pp. 137–146). Chichester: Ellis Horwood.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tanner, H., & Jones, S. (1993). Developing metacognition through peer and self assessment. In T. Breiteig, I. Huntley, & G. Kaiser-Messmer (Eds.), Teaching and learning mathematics in context (pp. 228–240). Chichester: Ellis Horwood.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tanner, H., & Jones, S. (1995). Developing metacognitive skills in mathematical modelling – A socio-constructivist interpretation. In C. Sloyer, W. Blum, & I. Huntley (Eds.), Advances and perspectives in the teaching of mathematical modelling and applications (pp. 61–70). Yorklyn: Water Street Mathematics.

    Google Scholar 

  • Treilibs, V. (1979). Formulation processes in mathematical modelling. Unpublished thesis, University of Nottingham for the degree of Master of Philosophy.

    Google Scholar 

  • Usiskin, Z. (2007). The arithmetic operations as mathematical models. In W. Blum, P. L. Galbraith, H.-W. Henn, & M. Niss (Eds.), Modelling and applications in mathematics education: The 14th ICMI study (pp. 257–264). New York: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Weinert, F. E. (2001). Concepts of competence: A conceptual clarification. In D. Rychen & L. Salgnik (Eds.), Defining and selecting key competencies (pp. 45–66). Göttingen: Hogrefe & Huber.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wu, M. L., Adams, R. J., Wilson, M. R., & Haldane, S. A. (2007). ACER conquest version 2.0. Generalised item response modelling software. Melbourne: ACER Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zöttl, L., Ufer, S., & Reiss, K. (2011). Assessing modelling competencies using a multidimensional IRT-approach. In G. Kaiser, W. Blum, R. Borromeo Ferri, & G. Stillman (Eds.), Trends in teaching and learning of mathematical modelling (ICTMA 14) (pp. 427–437). Dordrecht: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Gabriele Kaiser .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2015 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Kaiser, G., Brand, S. (2015). Modelling Competencies: Past Development and Further Perspectives. In: Stillman, G., Blum, W., Salett Biembengut, M. (eds) Mathematical Modelling in Education Research and Practice. International Perspectives on the Teaching and Learning of Mathematical Modelling. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-18272-8_10

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics