Simulation and Learning

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xvii

   PDF

2. An Introduction to Simulation for Learning

   • Franco Landriscina

   Pages 1-12

3. Simulation and Cognition

   • Franco Landriscina

   Pages 13-29

4. Models Everywhere

   • Franco Landriscina

   Pages 31-46

5. Simulation Modeling

   • Franco Landriscina

   Pages 47-98

6. Simulation-Based Learning

   • Franco Landriscina

   Pages 99-146

7. Simulations for Thinking

   • Franco Landriscina

   Pages 147-174

8. Simulation-Based Instruction

   • Franco Landriscina

   Pages 175-209

9. Back Matter

   Pages 211-236

   PDF

The main idea of this book is that to comprehend the instructional potential of simulation and to design effective simulation-based learning environments, one has to consider both what happens inside the computer and inside the students' minds. The framework adopted to do this is model-centered learning, in which simulation is seen as particularly effective when learning requires a restructuring of the individual mental models of the students, as in conceptual change. Mental models are by themeselves simulations, and thus simulation models can extend our biological capacity to carry out simulative reasoning. For this reason, recent approaches in cognitive science like embodied cognition and the extended mind hypothesis are also considered in the book.. A conceptual model called the “epistemic simulation cycle” is proposed as a blueprint for the comprehension of the cognitive activies involved in simulation-based learning and for instructional design.

• Concept models for cognition
• Embodied cognition
• Model-based instructional design
• Model-centered learning
• Simulation and learning
• Simulation design
• Simulative reasoning
• Systems dynamics in teaching and learning
• learning and instruction

• , Dipartimento di Studi Umanistici, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Trieste, Italy

  Franco Landriscina

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