Teaching the Modeling of Human-Environment Systems: Acknowledging Complexity with an Agent-Based Model

Autor/inn/en	Haensel, Maria; Schmitt, Thomas M.; Bogenreuther, Jakob
Titel	Teaching the Modeling of Human-Environment Systems: Acknowledging Complexity with an Agent-Based Model
Quelle	In: Journal of Science Education and Technology, 32 (2023) 2, S.256-266 (11 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Zusatzinformation	ORCID (Haensel, Maria) ORCID (Schmitt, Thomas M.) ORCID (Bogenreuther, Jakob)
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1059-0145
DOI	10.1007/s10956-022-10022-z
Schlagwörter	Graduate Students; Foreign Countries; Programming; Models; Land Use; Ecology; Systems Approach; Research Projects; Germany + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Graduate Study; Student; Students; Aufbaustudium; Graduiertenstudium; Hauptstudium; Studentin; Ausland; Programmierung; Analogiemodell; Bodennutzung; Ökologie; Systemischer Ansatz; Forschungsvorhaben; Deutschland
Abstract	Agent-based modeling is a promising tool for familiarizing students with complex systems as well as programming skills. Human-environment systems, for instance, entail complex interdependencies that need to be considered when modeling these systems. This complexity is often neglected in teaching modeling approaches. For a heterogeneous group of master's students at a German university, we pre-built an agent-based model. In class, this was used to teach modeling impacts of land use policies and markets on ecosystem services. As part of the course, the students had to perform small research projects with the model in groups of two. This study aims to evaluate how well students could deal with the complexity involved in the model based on their group work outcomes. Chosen indicators were, e.g., the appropriateness of their research goals, the suitability of the methods applied, and how well they acknowledged the limitations. Our study results revealed that teaching complex systems does not need to be done with too simplistic models. Most students, even with little background in modeling and programming, were able to deal with the complex model setup, conduct small research projects, and have a thoughtful discussion on the limitations involved. With adequate theoretical input during lectures, we recommend using models that do not hide the complexity of the systems but foster a realistic simplification of the interactions. (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01