My idea of a mental model is an image or scene that is created in my mind when a term or concept is prompted to me. I would be able to describe the details of that concept from what has been made within my mind on its own. I think it's very important to be able to make mental models as they create ease of access for things I have learned and need to use for other, newer concepts. I can also apply this to pretty much any topic or class as well as it helps with creative and independent thinking.