title: Teaching novice conceptual data modellers to become experts

authors: Venable, John R.

subjects: computer science

abstract: This paper describes teaching practices designed to help novice data modellers become expert data modellers. We base these practices on extant empirical research which highlights the strengths of expert data modellers and reveals the weaknesses of novices. After reviewing this research and analysing the causes of the novices' difficulties, we describe the strategy and specific techniques for helping novices to overcome their weaknesses and acquire the strengths and skills of expert data modellers. Techniques recommended include explicit comparison and teaching of novice and expert characteristics and behaviours, providing students with a realistic plan for how to acquire expert data modellers' capabilities, exposure to and comparison of a wide variety of data modelling approaches and topics, extensive amounts of practice on a wide variety of application domains, and critique of practical work in light of the understanding of novice errors and expert behaviours. Our intent is not just to make significant progress during a course, but to provide students with a means to continue to learn and improve in the long term.

text: Teaching novice conceptual data modellers to become experts This paper describes teaching practices designed to help novice data modellers become expert data modellers. We base these practices on extant empirical research which highlights the strengths of expert data modellers and reveals the weaknesses of novices. After reviewing this research and analysing the causes of the novices' difficulties, we describe the strategy and specific techniques for helping novices to overcome their weaknesses and acquire the strengths and skills of expert data modellers. Techniques recommended include explicit comparison and teaching of novice and expert characteristics and behaviours, providing students with a realistic plan for how to acquire expert data modellers' capabilities, exposure to and comparison of a wide variety of data modelling approaches and topics, extensive amounts of practice on a wide variety of application domains, and critique of practical work in light of the understanding of novice errors and expert behaviours. Our intent is not just to make significant progress during a course, but to provide students with a means to continue to learn and improve in the long term.

year: 1995-09

title: Robust mathematical programming for natural resource modelling under parametric uncertainty

authors: Doole, Graeme J.

subjects: parameter uncertainty

abstract: Inaccurate specification of model coefficients can lead to false or distorted findings in modeling investigations of natural resource management. Hence, this paper outlines a decision framework for optimization problems in which only the bounded set of outcomes for uncertain parameters is known. These models can be solved with standard mathematical programming software and are no larger than their deterministic equivalent. The robust approach is contrasted against deterministic analysis and is demonstrated for two applications regarding the management of natural resources. Deterministic plans are infeasible in at least 40% of cases when parameters vary from their point estimates. Inclusion of robust constraints immunizes against this infeasibility, thereby removing errors arising from false certainty. Additionally, incorporation of bounded parameters in the objective function yields interval-valued sets containing potential outcomes. However, this increase in the general relevance of model output introduces some degree of suboptimality as deterministic plans are buffered to proactively account for potential variability. The cost of robustness increases with the simulated spread of uncertain coefficients but may be reduced through accounting for the uncertainty aversion of decision makers.

text: Robust mathematical programming for natural resource modelling under parametric uncertainty Inaccurate specification of model coefficients can lead to false or distorted findings in modeling investigations of natural resource management. Hence, this paper outlines a decision framework for optimization problems in which only the bounded set of outcomes for uncertain parameters is known. These models can be solved with standard mathematical programming software and are no larger than their deterministic equivalent. The robust approach is contrasted against deterministic analysis and is demonstrated for two applications regarding the management of natural resources. Deterministic plans are infeasible in at least 40% of cases when parameters vary from their point estimates. Inclusion of robust constraints immunizes against this infeasibility, thereby removing errors arising from false certainty. Additionally, incorporation of bounded parameters in the objective function yields interval-valued sets containing potential outcomes. However, this increase in the general relevance of model output introduces some degree of suboptimality as deterministic plans are buffered to proactively account for potential variability. The cost of robustness increases with the simulated spread of uncertain coefficients but may be reduced through accounting for the uncertainty aversion of decision makers.

year: 2010

title: Antipodean settler societies and their complexities: the Waitangi process in New Zealand and native title and the stolen generations in Australia

authors: Byrnes, Giselle

subjects: native title claim

abstract: This article considers the process of determining native title claims and responding to the revelation of forced Indigenous child removal in Australia, together with the Treaty of Waitangi claims process in New Zealand; each of which can be understood more broadly as a response to the aftermath and ongoing consequences of colonisation. We undertake this analysis comparatively, through an examination of the broad sweep of colonial history in both countries, followed by a more detailed consideration of the processes in question, as they have become manifest over the last decade or so in Australia and almost 30 years in New Zealand. We compare and contrast the institutions, epistemological and political preoccupations and language in each case, revealing various latent ironies and incongruities in the systems on both sides of the Tasman Sea.

text: Antipodean settler societies and their complexities: the Waitangi process in New Zealand and native title and the stolen generations in Australia This article considers the process of determining native title claims and responding to the revelation of forced Indigenous child removal in Australia, together with the Treaty of Waitangi claims process in New Zealand; each of which can be understood more broadly as a response to the aftermath and ongoing consequences of colonisation. We undertake this analysis comparatively, through an examination of the broad sweep of colonial history in both countries, followed by a more detailed consideration of the processes in question, as they have become manifest over the last decade or so in Australia and almost 30 years in New Zealand. We compare and contrast the institutions, epistemological and political preoccupations and language in each case, revealing various latent ironies and incongruities in the systems on both sides of the Tasman Sea.

year: 2008