2023/08/26 by Daniel Strüber, Strüber, Daniel
Computer Science · Decision Sciences · Social Sciences · #Complex Systems and Decision Making #FOS: Computer and information sciences #Information Systems Theories and Implementation #Software Engineering (cs.SE) #Software Engineering Techniques and Practices
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2308.13809
openalex publication_date 2023/08/26 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Modeling seeks to tame complexity during software development, by supporting design, analysis, and stakeholder communication. Paradoxically, experiences made by educators indicate that students often perceive modeling as adding complexity, instead of reducing it. In this position paper, I analyse modeling education from the lens of complexity science, a theoretical framework for the study of complex systems. I revisit pedagogical literature where complexity science has been used as a framework for general education and subject-specific education in disciplines such as medicine, project management, and sustainability. I revisit complexity-related challenges from modeling education literature, discuss them in the light of complexity and present recommendations for taming complexity when teaching modeling.