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Learning Isn't Linear: Two Case Studies on the Interaction of Ideas in Learning Physics

White, Daniel R

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2016, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, Physics.
We explore two case studies into interactions between concepts when learning physics. The first set of experiments focuses on relationships between quantities in force and motion in one-dimension. Through simple training exercises, we show evidence that hierarchies may exist between individual concepts, suggesting a need to design instruction carefully to help students learn physics most efficiently. These experiments also contribute to existing knowledge regarding learning progressions, and demonstrate some negative interactions between concepts under certain circumstances. The second set of experiments examines the difficulties students encounter when solving multi-concept problems (which we call "synthesis problems"). We show that recognition and coordination of two or more concepts present unique challenges for students solving such problems. In particular, concept recognition appears to be a bottleneck for students not only because individual concepts may overshadow others, but also because introductory-level students may expect physics problems only to include one major concept. We also make recommendations for future experiments to investigate both possible hierarchies and bottlenecks when solving synthesis problems, and we broadly discuss possible pedagogical implications of these results.
Andrew Heckler (Advisor)
Lei Bao (Committee Member)
Yuri Kovchegov (Committee Member)
Michael Lisa (Committee Member)
130 p.

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Citations

  • White, D. R. (2016). Learning Isn't Linear: Two Case Studies on the Interaction of Ideas in Learning Physics [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1471278432

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • White, Daniel. Learning Isn't Linear: Two Case Studies on the Interaction of Ideas in Learning Physics. 2016. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1471278432.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • White, Daniel. "Learning Isn't Linear: Two Case Studies on the Interaction of Ideas in Learning Physics." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1471278432

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)