The Turing model refers to a theoretical framework for understanding computation, proposed by mathematician and computer scientist Alan Turing in the 1930s. It describes a simple machine, known as the Turing machine, that manipulates symbols on a tape according to a set of rules. This model helps to define what it means for a function to be computable and serves as a foundation for modern computer science. The Turing model is significant because it provides insights into the limits of computation and algorithms. It illustrates how complex problems can be broken down into simpler steps, making it a crucial concept in fields like artificial intelligence and theory of computation.