Although computer modelling is widely advocated as a way to offer students deeper understanding of complex phenomena, the process rather itself and needs scaffolding. In order adequate support, we need thorough reasoning processes employ difficulties they encounter during task. Therefore, in this study 26 students, working dyads, were observed while on task domain physics. A coding scheme was developed capture types used by students. Results indicate that most had strong focus adjusting...

While many researchers in science education have argued that students' epistemological understanding of models and modelling processes would influence their cognitive processing on a task, there has been little direct evidence for such an effect. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relation between (i.e., deep versus surface processing) task. Twenty‐six students, working dyads, were observed while computer‐based task domain physics. Students' was assessed four dimensions nature...

Novice problem solvers are rather sensitive to surface features, and they often resort trial error formula matching than identifying an appropriate solution approach. These observations have been interpreted imply that novices structure their knowledge according features type categories. However, it may also be the case do know types, but cannot map at hand a known type, because fail create sufficiently well-elaborated representation. This study aims distinguish between these explanations....

Computer modeling has been widely promoted as a means to attain higher order learning outcomes. Substantiating these benefits, however, problematic due lack of proper assessment tools. In this study, we compared computer with expository instruction, using tailored designed reveal the benefits either mode instruction. The addresses proficiency in declarative knowledge, application, construction, and evaluation. subscales differentiate between simple complex structure. task concerns dynamics...

Abstract Einstein’s derivation of special relativity theory (SRT), based on hypothetical reasoning and thought experiments, is regarded as a prime example physics development. In secondary education, the introduction SRT could provide great opportunity for students to engage in theorizing, but this largely being missed current teaching practice. One reason be that lack some knowledge electromagnetism was central argument. Therefore, we conducted an educational reconstruction develop approach...

Abstract Major difficulties for a novice physics problem solver are how to interpret new problems and combine information given in the with already known. A domain expert, by contrast, has knowledge take full advantage of features at glance. It takes long period practice acquire such situational knowledge, it would be desirable this taught more effectively. As first step, requires on differs across individuals different competence levels. Related research mental models representations does...

Special relativity theory (SRT) has recently gained popularity as a first introduction to "modern" physics thinking in upper level secondary education. A central idea SRT is the absolute speed of light, with light propagating uniform relative reference frame observer. Previous research suggests that students, building on their prior understandings propagation and motion, develop misunderstandings this idea. The available provides little detail reasoning processes underlying these...

Many students have problems when it comes to describing the shapes of displacement, velocity and acceleration-time graphs (x, v, a-t graphs), conversion from one form into another, calculating getting meaning slopes areas under kinematics graphs. They often describe as pictures give interpretation without taking cognizance type graph being considered. In this study, 37 first year university physics (Group One: 17 Group Two: 20 students) at University Education in Winneba (Ghana) two...

Worldwide, pupils with migrant backgrounds do not participate in school STEM subjects as successfully their peers. Migrant pupils’ subject-specific language proficiency lags behind, which hinders participation and learning. Primary teachers experience difficulty teaching well promoting required development. This study investigates how a professional development program (PDP) focusing on inclusive can promote teacher learning of language-promoting strategies (promoting interaction,...

Abstract To become proficient problem‐solvers, physics students need to form a coherent and flexible understanding of problem situations with which they are confronted. Still, many have only limited representation the problems on working. Therefore, an instructional approach was devised promote students' these support them in forming associations between features solution methods. The based using computer algebra software Mathematica as tool for solving visualisation. An electrostatics...