Modeling is a complex problem-solving task that is performed in an iterative fashion with feedback from the system being modelled to the modeller. This is contrary to the way that modelling is frequently presented to students where the emphasis is on the tractability of the resulting equations rather than accuracy of the model compared to the real system. Modeling is not an activity carried out in isolation. As professional engineers students will need to be able to collaborate with a variety of professionals such as engineers, chemists, and lawyers. Thus collaboration must be built into the process of learning to model so that it is developed naturally as part of the task.
Building models requires practise and the use of previous modeling activities as cases.
This activity must be orchestrated to help novice modellers develop the right approach to modelling and to correctly identify the right pieces of previous models to apply in the current situation. A uniform interface is a benefit for experts who want to deal with a variety of knowledge in a similar manner. However, the informal modeling assumes a shared knowledge between experts of formal modeling and how the formal models reflect the problem. Effective supports for students must support learning of formal models and connecting them to real problems before informal modeling can be introduced. The domains of activity are inherently different between experts and students.