1/26 David Modeling and Literacy

            Nersessian begins with describing a concept as an active relationship between person and theory, specifically through attempts to solve a problem and “model-based reasoning processes.” Then, a scientific experiment is observed and recorded in which different types of models are used. During the experiment, different scientists create physical and computational models to represent neurons and neural pathways. The experiment concludes that the relationship between creating and revising models leads to the construction of concepts. Concepts are developed through the specificity of models, both physical and computational, and allows for learners to construct a mental analogy between model and concept.

            diSessa begins with describing literacy and how it is used in our lives between personal, professional and educational uses. Then, it is described how computers are changing literacy and education. diSessa places literacy into three categories, or pillars. First, material literacy may range from the use of paper and pencil to spreadsheets and electronically processed images. Then, the second type of literacy, mental, is described as a relationship between physical tools and cognitive thought. diSessa describes a book as a, “poor stepping stool,” to someone who may not be able to read. The last type is described as social literacy. The ability to comprehend what others have written is critical to literacy, as shown by the work of Newton. diSessa then shows how people build upon another’s ideas through literacy. Finally, literacy is compared socially to environments and niches.

            Both articles sought to suggest that modeling and literacy both be communicated and revised. Through communication and revision, modeling and literacy become active between participants. The researchers in the Nersessian article used models to make predictions about what would happen next; these models were communicated and revised in their community. Also, diSessa discusses Galileo’s theorems and shows how they were communicated and revised between people so now that learners in high school may understand them. Literacy must be the, “driving force,” in education as diSessa says. Proper literacy will create knowledgeable and competent people who may effectively communicate and revise ideas.