Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate undergraduate students’ performance while exposed to complementary computational modelling activities to improve physics learning, using the softwares Modellus. Interpretation of kinematics graphs was the physics topic chosen for investigation. The theoretical framework adopted was based on Halloun’s schematic modelling approach and on Ausubel’s meaningful learning theory. The results of this work show that there was a statistically significant improvement in the experimental group students’ performance when compared to the control group, submitted just to a conventional teaching method. Students’ perception with respect to the concepts and mathematical relations, as well as the motivation to learn, originated by the activities, have played a fundamental role in these findings.

Citation

Araujo, I.S., Veit, E.A. & Moreira, M.A. (2008). Physics students’ performance using computational modelling activities to improve kinematics graphs interpretation. Computers & Education, 50(4), 1128-1140. Elsevier Ltd. Retrieved May 18, 2022 from https://www.learntechlib.org/p/67185/.

Keywords

• Computation
• Computer Software
• Control Groups
• Experimental Groups
• Graphs
• improving classroom teaching
• Interactive Learning Environments
• Learning Motivation
• learning strategies
• learning theories
• models
• pedagogical issues
• physics
• simulation
• student attitudes
• teaching methods
• Teaching/Learning Strategies
• undergraduate students