Conceptual modeling in the classroom

The conceptual model is the focal point of the process of database design. All activities either converge upon or emanate from the conceptual model. All structures, through mappings either into or out of the conceptual model, must be to some extent compatible with it. Students generally find it difficult to manage the complexity surrounding the conceptual model, its development and usage. This article describes one approach to overcoming this difficulty through an exercise in conceptual modeling and shows some of the results of this approach.