Impact of theoretical perspectives on the design of mathematical modelling tasks

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss how the adoption of a particular theoretical framework affects task design in the research field of modelling and applications. With this purpose, we start by referring to the existence of different reference epistemological models about mathematical modelling to analyse better the consequences they have for decision making concerning designing modelling tasks and their implementation. In particular, we present the analysis of three case studies, which have been selected as representatives of different theoretical perspectives to modelling. We discuss the impact of the chosen reference epistemological model on the task design process of mathematical modelling and the local ecologies suited for their implementation.