Development of a Simulation Learning Environment for Inquiry-based Learning: An Example of Stray Dogs Problem in Taiwan

The main aim of the paper is to establish a simulation environment for inquiry-based learning, in which learners can explore and think possible solutions of stray dogs problems in Taiwan. First, researchers collect related information of stray dogs in Taipei city and use Net Logo to build the model for simulating the both natural and social phenomena (i.e. stray dogs problem). "Agents", including stray dogs, dog-catchers, and animal rescuers, are designed and adjusted on the basis of the collected actual information to make simulation results more meaningful for learning. The main contribution of this study is to allow learners to experience the complexity of the social phenomena and the interaction between associated factors so that they can realize the research process of social science. Although the established model of the simulated learning environment for stray dogs is not very precise, it doesn\´t affect the design and process of the learning activity. The future research will conduct educational experiments of the designed learning activity with integration of the simulated environment for stray dogs and evaluate learners\´ cognitive and affective changes before and after the experiments.