Qualitative Modeling in Education

We argue that qualitative modeling provides a valuable way for students to learn. Two model-building environments, VMODEL and HOMER/-VISIGARP, are presented that support learners by constructing conceptual models of systems and their behavior using qualitative formalisms. Both environments use diagrammatic representations to facilitate knowledge articulation. Preliminary evaluations in educational settings provide support for the hypothesis that qualitative modeling tools can be valuable aids for learning.