The kinematic equation: an analysis of students` problem-solving skills

The problem-solving skills of first year university physics students were analysed by first administering a questionnaire, after which a workshop intervention was employed to ensure reliability, validity and richness ofdata collected. The problem-solving behaviour of these students was documented...

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Main Author: Ramaila, Sam Mabune
Format: Others
Language:en
Published: 2014
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net10539/14325
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spelling ndltd-netd.ac.za-oai-union.ndltd.org-wits-oai-wiredspace.wits.ac.za-10539-143252019-05-11T03:41:08Z The kinematic equation: an analysis of students` problem-solving skills Ramaila, Sam Mabune The problem-solving skills of first year university physics students were analysed by first administering a questionnaire, after which a workshop intervention was employed to ensure reliability, validity and richness ofdata collected. The problem-solving behaviour of these students was documented using think-aloud sessions, pen-and-paper solution of problems, observations and interviews. The students individually solved physics problems on kinematics. Fourteen activities which constitute physical and cognitive actions performed by students during problem-solving are identified and described. These activities are documented in order to provide further insight into the problem-solving process. It has been found that when solvingproblems, students used a variety of general methods and strategies for the fourteen activities identified. This research illustrates the large gap that exists between the "protoconcepts " with which most students come to the study of kinematics, and their grasp ofthe physical constructs putforth in text and lecture presentations. It has also been established that students appear to lack the critical knowledge necessary to apply the appropriate kinematic equations that ultimately result in the solution of a problem. In addition, their cognitive skills necessary for successful problem-solving are inadequately developed. 2014-03-25T10:34:14Z 2014-03-25T10:34:14Z 2014-03-25 Thesis http://hdl.handle.net10539/14325 en application/pdf
collection NDLTD
language en
format Others
sources NDLTD
description The problem-solving skills of first year university physics students were analysed by first administering a questionnaire, after which a workshop intervention was employed to ensure reliability, validity and richness ofdata collected. The problem-solving behaviour of these students was documented using think-aloud sessions, pen-and-paper solution of problems, observations and interviews. The students individually solved physics problems on kinematics. Fourteen activities which constitute physical and cognitive actions performed by students during problem-solving are identified and described. These activities are documented in order to provide further insight into the problem-solving process. It has been found that when solvingproblems, students used a variety of general methods and strategies for the fourteen activities identified. This research illustrates the large gap that exists between the "protoconcepts " with which most students come to the study of kinematics, and their grasp ofthe physical constructs putforth in text and lecture presentations. It has also been established that students appear to lack the critical knowledge necessary to apply the appropriate kinematic equations that ultimately result in the solution of a problem. In addition, their cognitive skills necessary for successful problem-solving are inadequately developed.
author Ramaila, Sam Mabune
spellingShingle Ramaila, Sam Mabune
The kinematic equation: an analysis of students` problem-solving skills
author_facet Ramaila, Sam Mabune
author_sort Ramaila, Sam Mabune
title The kinematic equation: an analysis of students` problem-solving skills
title_short The kinematic equation: an analysis of students` problem-solving skills
title_full The kinematic equation: an analysis of students` problem-solving skills
title_fullStr The kinematic equation: an analysis of students` problem-solving skills
title_full_unstemmed The kinematic equation: an analysis of students` problem-solving skills
title_sort kinematic equation: an analysis of students` problem-solving skills
publishDate 2014
url http://hdl.handle.net10539/14325
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