“Investigating the Dimensions of Modeling Competence”

Scientific Modeling is among the main authentic practices carried out by scientists. Students and teachers are expected to engage in models and modeling, and to do so they need to develop their modeling competence. Theoretical conceptualizations structure the modeling competence into three dimensions: metamodeling knowledge, modeling practice, and modeling products. While each of these dimensions is well researched on its own and the three dimensions are commonly expected to be highly positively related, studies investigating their specific relationships are widely lacking. In this presentation, Dr. Tom Bielik will present several of his latest studies aiming to explore these relationships in order to provide researchers and educators with a better understanding of modeling competence and the means to support students and teachers in developing this competence. 

Light refreshments will be provided.

Registration is required to attend via Zoom. Please register here. 

Speaker:

Dr. Tom Bielik, Senior lecturer, Beit Berl College, Israel 

Tom is currently a Senior Lecturer at Beit Berl College in Israel, where he teaches pre-service science teachers. His research focuses on engaging students in advanced digital learning environments, using inquiry and Project-Based Learning approaches, supporting teachers and students in developing their critical thinking, modeling practices, and systems thinking. 

Tom received his B.Sc. in animal science from the Department of Agriculture at the Hebrew University and his M.Sc. in cancer research from the Department of Cell Research and Immunology at Tel Aviv University. 

His PhD thesis was achieved at the Department of Science Teaching at the Weizmann Institute of Science, where he also received a teaching certificate in high-school biology, after which he moved to Michigan, to conduct post-doctoral research at CREATE for STEM Institute at Michigan State University. After that time, he was a research associate at the Biology Didactics Department at Freie University in Berlin, Germany.