Learning about forces: simulating the outcomes of pupils' misconceptions
✍ Scribed by Menahem Finegold; Paul Gorsky
- Publisher
- Springer Netherlands
- Year
- 1988
- Tongue
- English
- Weight
- 718 KB
- Volume
- 17
- Category
- Article
- ISSN
- 0020-4277
No coin nor oath required. For personal study only.
✦ Synopsis
We have developed a computer program which simulates the outcomes of pupils' perceptions regarding the forces at play in static equilibrium.
A pupil is presented with a simulation of his or her own private microworld which may or may not be compatible with familiar behaviour in the real world. The program includes a tutor which helps the pupil learn the relevant scientific concepts if he or she cannot solve the problem without help.
This dissonance-based strategy for achieving conceptual change was made possible by the use of a language which enables pupils to express their conceptual understanding.
To date, researchers have relied primarily on natural language interfaces with all the difficulties inherent in such an approach; we chose to use a simple vector language appropriate to the study of forces. This language accurately quantifies pupils' understanding and allows the designer to create highly reactive and seemingly intelligent programs.