Methodology of studying physical fields at the university

Abstract

Problem and objective. The physical field as a transmitter of physical interaction is the most complex invisible object in the physics course of a technical university. There is no single mechanism for studying and description of classical fields: all fields are studied using different methods at different times. Purpose of the paper: to identify and substantiate the general approaches to formation of knowledge about physical fields and particular methods within the framework of these approaches. Methodology. The following methods were used in the research: theoretical analysis and generalisation of literature on the content of general physics course at universities; modelling a system of knowledge about physical fields on the basis of fundamental physical interaction, mathematical operators and relativistic theories; analysis of methods and approaches to forming the knowledge on physical fields that would be consistent with the above model and with modern didactic concepts on the structure of particular methodological systems. Results. The authors analysed a number of Russian and foreign methods forming the knowledge about physical fields at a technical university. The inductive and deductive approaches to studying physical fields were distinguished: their stages, content and significance of each stage for due mastering of physical and worldview-forming knowledge. The inductive approach highlights, in the first place, the connection of physical laws with experience, providing visualisation and understanding of the core of physical phenomena; however, additional work is required – generalisation of knowledge about physical fields. The deductive approach practices a unified way to explore any physical field; generalisation is made actually in parallel with the study of the new material; however, it requires preliminary work – the students’ mastering mathematical operators and their physical interpretation. Alongside with the general approaches, particular methods for studying physical fields have been shown: experiment, analogy, modelling. These methods and approaches to presentation of physics content form a basis for the construction of appropriate techniques. Conclusion. The highlighted methods and approaches to formation of ideas about physical fields as well as the methodologies for their development in technical university students meet all the requirements of the theory and practice of teaching general physics, having practical and worldview-forming significance.