Examining Knowledge Levels of Prospective Physics Teachers Related to Conductors at Electrostatic Equilibrium and Electric Field Lines Using the Drawing Method

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate knowledge levels of prospective physics teachers related to conductors at electrostatic equilibrium and electric field lines. The descriptive model was preferred in line with the purpose of the study. The study group consisted of 44 prospective physics teachers, 34 females and 10 males, who were educated in the Gazi Physics Education Program. The participants had previously learned the electric field lines in their courses. The research data was collected using a drawing scale consisting of 3 sections prepared by the researchers. The students then were asked to explain their drawings. The answers of the students were applied descriptive analysis. According to the findings obtained from the analysis, the most commonly reflected property of electric field lines was "electric field lines do not intersect", while the least commonly reflected property was "electric field lines are drawn frequently at the pointed ends". Also, the prospective teachers were observed to confuse the electric field lines with the concept of load. In the drawings, it was determined that the objects were drawn at random on the area lines without paying attention to their load. The knowledge of the students was not based on scientific foundations.