A mental model for me consists of questions, assumptions, images, examples, information (both already known and new), and inferences/conclusions. It's my own version of the scientific method so that I can confidently talk about and explain a topic because I understand it. I think it's important to learning because it expands the question-and-answer style of teaching/learning. It helps us go more in depth in a topic so that we can view it in different forms and perspectives while still forming a connection to other topic/ideas so in return, more learning and exploration is involved.