The goal of this paper is to differentiate and apply the idiosyncratic and significant characteristics of the structuring and formalization of systems of discrete events in a methodological approach to the building of discrete imitational models. This approach is based on studying the particular system, beginning with a general overview and then running through a detailed inventory of its components and hierarchical levels. It is in this context that we introduce the concept of using software for simulating the behavior of object-models in a discrete-event system as a tool for developing the research abilities of the students. We demonstrate a general framework for the modeling of processes in discrete-event systems and propose an illustrative classroom model of an air-traffic control system. We also discuss the application of the model in a university course on Algorithms and Data Structures.