Saturday, 24 December 2011

REFLECTION ABOUT SIMULATION AND MODELLING


1. SIMULATION

In my opinion, there are many advantages of using simulation in teaching. For example, my group had chosen ‘DNA structure’ as the simulation. Why we choose DNA structure? This is because most students know the term of ‘DNA’ but they do not really know the structure of DNA, as the DNA is micromolecules in our body. How can we see the DNA with the naked eyes? Thus, by using the simulation video about DNA structure, I can show them the invisible DNA become visible. This way of introducing the lesson with simulation can stimulate the student’s curiosity about the DNA. Comparing to the manual pictures or drawing about the DNA structure, students usually imagine the DNA structure and this situation can contribute to the misconception about the DNA structure. Besides, the simulation video facilitate teacher during teaching by attracting the student’s interest to watch that video. And, the students and teachers can easily to access this video by pause, stop, and increase or decrease the volume or even restart.

2. MODELLING

From my view, the modelling is more interesting and effective way in teaching and learning. This is because we can change any variables and see the responding effects. Our group had chosen the ‘natural selection’ as our modelling. We can change the variables (fur, tail and teeth) as well as the environment (equator and winter) and predator (wolves and foods). In reality, it takes a long time for natural selection to occur because it is also evolution of the species. Thus, by using this modeling, we can understand the concept of natural selection by trying to use any variables and see the consequences of the variables directly in several minutes. I think the modelling is better to be used in the teaching and learning but combining both simulation and modelling can be the best decision.

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