ERIC Number: EJ1227755
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2469-9896
EISSN: N/A
Mapping Activation of Resources among Upper Division Physics Students in Non-Cartesian Coordinate Systems: A Case Study
Farlow, Brian; Vega, Marlene; Loverude, Michael E.; Christensen, Warren M.
Physical Review Physics Education Research, v15 n2 Article 020125 Jul-Dec 2019
An essential skill for success in upper-division physics curricula is the ability to work with and apply mathematical and physical concepts through Cartesian and non-Cartesian coordinate systems. These skills are most notably necessary in electricity and magnetism, wherein students must build and solve integrals and perform vector derivatives in Cartesian, spherical, and cylindrical coordinate systems. While limited in scope, early investigations into students understanding of coordinate systems has shown that students have considerable difficulty. Through the analysis of four one-on-one semistructured interviews, students were observed to activate numerous productive resources, despite frequently incorrect answers. This paper will revisit our previously identified student resource clusters for unit vectors. We also identify additional resources that cast additional light on students' thinking about position vectors, and velocity vectors in non-Cartesian coordinate systems. Through detailed analysis of a single student, we identify several groupings of resources that will serve as a baseline for future analysis of additional students and provide initial insight into potential curriculum development.
Descriptors: Physics, Advanced Students, Mathematics, Undergraduate Students, College Science, Logical Thinking, Thinking Skills, Algebra, Geometric Concepts
American Physical Society. One Physics Ellipse 4th Floor, College Park, MD 20740-3844. Tel: 301-209-3200; Fax: 301-209-0865; e-mail: assocpub@aps.org; Web site: http://prst-per.aps.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: 1406035; 1156974; 1560142