• Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.393-405
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• 2018

In this study, we classified the group model construction types in the actual classroom situation implementing the instructional strategy mixed with individual model construction and group model construction types. The purpose of this study is to analyze the information flow and the individual construction types of each group model construction type to obtain implications for model co-construction in a real classroom environment. A two-session class on sound propagation was carried out for thirty-three 8th grade students in Seoul. A total of 65 individual model construction and 16 group model construction processes were collected and analyzed. The group model construction types were classified as unchanged, enumerated, and elaborated. The unchanged type was found in 8 groups, the enumerated type in 3 groups, and the elaborated type in 5 groups. The isolated individual and independent construction (i.I) were found mostly in the unchanged group construction type (50.0%) and enumerated group construction type (54.5%). In the unchanged type, the radial shape of flow in which one student's information is transmitted to all the members of the group appeared. In the enumerated type, the starting point of the information flow was observed from two individuals. In the elaborated type, linear information flow appeared and both the second dissemination and reflective construction (2d.R) contributed to the group model construction (58.3%). This study suggests a viewpoint that enables to understand the process of complex model construction in an actual classroom context rather than in an ideal situation. The result of this study suggests the necessity of a modeling strategy considering the characteristics of Korean small group culture. It is expected that the discussion will progress through further studies.