Training action for physics teachers: an application of problem-based learning

The teaching of problem-based learning is a didactic approach that requires a radical change in the role of the physics teacher because it is focused on learning, research, and reflection that students follow to reach a solution to a problem situation as a starting point for the acquisition and integration of knowledge in science. The results of a training action for physics teachers on the implementation, their perceptions, and perspectives on the feasibility of the problem-based Learning approach are presented. The study is quasi-experimental in nature with pre-test and post-test in the study variables. The results suggest that the teachers’ perceptions are positive, which is why they consider that its implementation in teaching is viable, however, they need more elements that facilitate their execution in the classroom, such as understanding the theoretical foundations and their pedagogical use successful in the classroom. It is concluded that, for the physics teaching process, problem-based learning is an innovation because it allows the student to learn actively, in which inquiry is relevant for the development of skills and appropriation of knowledge, which in the framework of natural sciences leads to the reconstruction of the scientific method.

Problem solving in the physics classroom. An analysis with secondary school students

The teaching of science, and specifically physics, has been associated with the acquisition of knowledge with a particular emphasis on problem solving, as an activity that brings students closer to the methodology and meaningful learning of science. However, problem solving is perhaps one of the sources of failure in physics teaching, which requires a careful analysis of this didactic activity. Therefore, the aim of this work is to analyze the development of students’ problem-solving skills in a physics course. An analysis is presented using the quasi-experimental method through the application of a pre-test – post-test, for which a methodological intervention was used based on the problem-solving competence, which focused on identifying errors and difficulties by the students themselves and thus favoring the learning and development of this competence, which allowed the academic progress of the students to be analyzed. It is concluded that the intervention supported by problem solving improves students’ performance, in addition to the positive assessment they make of the process, as well as its influence on the change in pedagogical practice.

Conceptual Fields and Magnetic Field: a theoretical model for epistemological classification of tasks in magnetostatics

This work presents a theoretical model for epistemological classification of tasks in magnetostatics aimed at High School and Higher Education. The approach is based on the theory of conceptual fields and includes classification in terms of thought operations necessary to solve the tasks and in these situations’ parameters. Four primary classes of situations are proposed, namely, description of magnetic interactions, analogic symbolization of magnetic fields, non-analogic symbolization of magnetic fields and calculation of magnetic fields. These classes cannot be reduced one to another, however they can occur simultaneously in the same task. Each one was subdivided in secondary classes of situations based on parameters they can assume and ordered by epistemological complexity. As contributions for physics teaching research this work offers a theoretical-methodological model for analyzing students’ progression in the conceptual field of magnetostatics, a conceptual structure for building situations based on predicative and operational competences for understanding the concept of magnetic field, and a practical example of epistemological classification of situations that can be adapted for other areas of Science like Quantum Mechanics, for example.

Infinity: some close encounters in physics teaching

This paper describes two examples of teaching situations in which the idea of infinity arises, and supports the conclusion that infinity is not a physical reality but a very powerful and useful mathematical device which facilitates modelling and the solution of problems in physics.

Middle School Physics Experiment Teaching Within “Internet Plus”: From the Status Quo to Implications

Middle school physics experiment is a significant basic course with extensive content and strong practicability. This course has high requirements for students to master and understand the background and basic principles of various physical experiments, as well as the working principles and the use of various experimental devices. Based on the importance of physics experiment teaching and the limitations of the traditional experiment teaching mode, this paper first reviews the traditional mode in the context of the Internet and puts forward the new physics experiment teaching mode within "Internet Plus" in the new era, including theoretical guidance of constructing the experimental teaching mode, the innovation of teaching methods and examination methods, and the prospect of promoting the development of education industry. At the same time, this paper puts forward the network teaching platform system that can implement the new physics experiment teaching, including exercises, flipped classroom, and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC), and discusses them separately, hoping to provide research reference for middle school physics teaching and research in the future.

Teaching Physics to Students With Intellectual Disabilities Using Digital Learning Objects

Digital Learning Objects (DLOs) as pedagogical complete structures of learning content contribute to science education. DLOs especially in the form of interactive simulations seem to be promising tools in physics teaching and learning for students with intellectual disabilities (ID). This study used an AB single subject design to evaluate the effects of four DLOs on students’ learning of transverse waves and simple pendulum motion in a special education high school setting. A functional relationship was found between students’ correct responses concerning both scientific terminology and physical phenomena understanding during probe sessions and the DLOs intervention. In addition, a social validity assessment that evaluated students’ attitudes on learning, quality, and engagement, showed that the DLOs helped students with ID to acquire physics content. The students also reported satisfaction from using the DLOs. Suggestions for future research include the design of DLOs especially for students with ID.

Enhance your smartphone with a Bluetooth arduino nano board

Using smartphones in experimental physics teaching offers many advantages in terms of engagement, pedagogy and flexibility. But it presents drawbacks such as possibly endangering the device and also facing the heterogeneity of available sensors on different smartphones. We present a low-cost alternative that preserves the advantages of smartphones: using a microcontroller equipped with a large variety of sensors that transmits data to a smartphone using a Bluetooth low-energy protocol. This device can be lent to students with little risk and used to perform a wide range of experiments. It opens the way to new types of physics teachings.