Page 70 - Getting the Picture Modeling and Simulation in Secondary Computer Science Education
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Chapter 3
analysis, verification, communication, exploration, decision, optimization, specification, steering and control, and finally, training. The mathematical modeling process can be viewed as a problem-solving activity (cf. (Polya, 2008)). We adopt the operationalization by Van Overveld (2015):
1. Definition stage: the problem is stated and researched in the context domain (this is also considered a core aspect of CT (Wing, 2006)). The purpose of the model is formulated and a study is planned.
2. Conceptualization stage: Data are collected and a conceptual model is constructed and validated. In the process of abstraction, it is decided what details to highlight and what details to ignore.
3. Formalization stage: the conceptual model is transformed into a formal model.
4. Execution stage: the model is being used for its purpose: this means solving the (mathematical) problem.
5. Conclusion stage: the results of the execution stage are analyzed and translated back into the problem domain, involving the presentation and interpretation of the results.
In addition, Perrenet and Zwaneveld (2012) explicitly distinguish between the non-mathematical world containing the definition stage, conceptualization stage and conclusion stage on the one hand, and the mathematical world containing the formalization and execution stages on the other hand. Following each of these stages, reflection needs to take place: to check if any revisions are necessary by repeating that stage, to validate and verify the model, to assess the plausibility of the result and answer the initial purpose, to communicate the results and to learn from what one has done. After the completion of the modeling process, a reflection takes place and the whole process is possibly repeated. Hence, modeling can be seen as a cyclic process (Overveld et al., 2015; Perrenet & Zwaneveld, 2012).
3.2.2 Simulation Modeling
Simulation modeling can be seen as a special case of modeling in which the model consists of a computer program and therefore is executable. In comparison to the mathematical modeling process, the simulation modeling process shows a computational — rather than mathematical — interpretation of the conceptualization, formalization and execution stages:
1. Conceptualization stage: Data are collected and a conceptual model is constructed and validated. In the process of abstraction, it is























































































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