ERIC Number: EJ829902
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1449-5554
EISSN: N/A
Learning "through" Computers: Uncovering Students' Thought Processes while Solving Physics Problems
Soong, Benson
Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, v24 n5 p592-610 2008
This paper presents a study that illustrates how the author and an in service secondary school teacher used basic synchronous computer mediated communications (CMC) technology to help them uncover students' physics preconceptions and thought processes (including their misconceptions and misunderstandings) in a real class setting. In this paper, I first provide a discussion on constructivist science learning environments, highlighting the central role students' preconceptions play in their learning in the science subject domain. Next, I argue that in light of constructivist learning principles, learning may be viewed as a conceptual change process; a process which is facilitated by active problem solving attempts. I then present a study (which was part of a larger design experiment) whereby student pairs worked collaboratively to solve physics questions via "NetMeeting", a free CMC software from Microsoft. Results pertaining to how protocol data of students' problem solving attempts (as recorded by "NetMeeting") provided us with rich insights into the students' thought processes that are normally not easily accessible are discussed. Finally, I consider further research work that could be done in light of the findings of this study. (Contains 4 figures and 2 tables.)
Descriptors: Constructivism (Learning), Student Attitudes, Physics, Problem Solving, Educational Technology, Misconceptions, Scientific Attitudes, Synchronous Communication, Computer Mediated Communication, Cognitive Processes, Foreign Countries, Discourse Analysis
Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education. Ascilite Secretariat, P.O. Box 44, Figtree, NSW, Australia. Tel: +61-8-9367-1133; e-mail: info@ascilite.org.au; Web site: http://www.ascilite.org.au/ajet
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Singapore
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A