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The application of logical tools in a project based classroom
Last modified: 2008-07-30
Abstract
Students need skills in logical thinking expressed in the ability to create clear arguments and connect interrelated elements into a 'system'.
When students draw a system flowchart they can gain many advantages by arranging the symbols in seven columns according to their function. A columnar data flow diagram is particularly useful for detecting design omissions in the pattern of flow from sources and data through collection, stores, extraction to information and users.
The paper explains how students can use the columnar data flow diagrams and the inference tree to improve their logical thinking, and therefore contribute to better systems analysis and design outputs. Furthermore, the paper explains that these tools are better utilised if they are integrated within the Instructional Web Design Programme (IWDP).
The logical tools were tested empirically in a project-based classroom at an institution of higher education. The research was based on a qualitative, action-research approach.
The most important findings were:
Logical tools set a basis for creating an effective climate for systems analysis and design; the use of a variety of inference trees improved detection and correction of reasoning errors.
Keywords. columnar data flow diagram, inference tree, argument, reasoning errors, logical tools.
When students draw a system flowchart they can gain many advantages by arranging the symbols in seven columns according to their function. A columnar data flow diagram is particularly useful for detecting design omissions in the pattern of flow from sources and data through collection, stores, extraction to information and users.
The paper explains how students can use the columnar data flow diagrams and the inference tree to improve their logical thinking, and therefore contribute to better systems analysis and design outputs. Furthermore, the paper explains that these tools are better utilised if they are integrated within the Instructional Web Design Programme (IWDP).
The logical tools were tested empirically in a project-based classroom at an institution of higher education. The research was based on a qualitative, action-research approach.
The most important findings were:
Logical tools set a basis for creating an effective climate for systems analysis and design; the use of a variety of inference trees improved detection and correction of reasoning errors.
Keywords. columnar data flow diagram, inference tree, argument, reasoning errors, logical tools.
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