Scientific Abilities-Modeling.

Generally, the goal of traditional classroom instruction is to ensure that we have a good understanding of the subject matter content. But in order to be successful in future, it is required that students develop certain other specific abilities in addition to their content knowledge. These scientific abilities include formulating questions, designing and conducting experiments, collecting, representing and analyzing data, modeling, testing hypotheses and solving complex, ill-defined problems.These skills are not addressed in class due to which a vast majority of students face problems when they enter their work environments. In general, the term “scientific abilities” is used to describe some of the most important procedures, processes, and methods that scientists use when constructing knowledge and when solving experimental problems. One such ability is that of Modeling. Scientists use models or simplifications to describe and explain observed physical phenomena and to predict the outcomes of new phenomenon.This is a skill that scientists use inherently as they make sense of the world around them or as they generate new theories...
I am designing an ICT based method of instruction to improve students’ ability of modeling. This tool is called a 'Learning Object' and is freely available on the website of Project OSCAR. Learning objects might be a suitable solution as they have a number of important features, such as the power of visualization, possibility of independent learning, learning goal alignment, feedback and adaptation, learner control, multiple representation,flexibility, et al, which make them a beneficial teaching and learning tool.