Complex Modelling Problems in Co-operative, Self-Directed Learning Environments

Abstract

After a short description of the development of the current discussion on teaching and learning mathematical modelling special modelling activities are described. These so-called modelling weeks or days deal with complex modelling problems, which are focusing on students in an autonomous learning environment. Evaluation results of these modelling activities are presented pointing out, that most of the participating students from upper secondary level appraised these positively. Finally scaffolding as an approach to support students’ independent modelling processes is discussed and first results of an empirical study on interventions in modelling activities with complex modelling problems are presented.