Physics education through computational tools: the case of geometrical and physical optics

Abstract

Recently, with the development of more powerful and accurate computational tools, the inclusion of new didactic materials in the classroom is known to have increased. However, the form in which these materials can be used to enhance the learning process is still under debate. Many different methodologies have been suggested for constructing new relevant curricular material and, among them, just-in-time teaching (JiTT) has arisen as an effective and successful way to improve the content of classes. In this paper, we will show the implemented pedagogic strategies for the courses of geometrical and optical physics for students of optometry. Thus, the use of the GeoGebra software for the geometrical optics class and the employment of new in-house software for the physical optics class created using the high-level programming language Python is shown with the corresponding activities developed for each of these applets.

Just-in-Time Teaching para o Ensino de Física e Ciências: uma Revisão Sistemática da Literatura

“…É interessante notar que essa variedade nas respostas a essa questão explicita uma multiplicidade de métodos e recursos utilizados pelos professores/pesquisadores na aplicação das tarefas de leitura. Ao longo dos artigos analisados, pudemos perceber o uso de diferentes materiais de apoio para as atividades (livro didático [62], textos externos [66], vídeo-aulas [58], vídeos diversos [65], applets [42], simulações computacionais [19]), além de diferentes questionamentos propostos (alguns mais voltados para o conteúdo em si [62], outros mais para o entendimento e as dificuldades enfrentadas durante a realização da tarefa [60]; alguns mais específicos e "fechados", outros mais abrangentes e amplos, com diversas respostas possíveis). Ademais, podemos notar diferentes objetivos e formas de avaliação das atividades.…”

Developing a New Tool to Implement Computer-Supported Active Learning Strategies in the Engineering Classroom

“…This is a fundamental concept that has guided the development of our tool. In [12], the benefits of including computer modeling activities as a means to enhance the just-in-time teaching (JiTT) methodology is reported. Not only do the students get a more active role in the classroom by means of trying by themselves to answer the questions that the instructor poses in a mostly guided-inquiry teaching process, but also the professor can identify the common errors and misconceptions that the learners may have, and tailor subsequent modeling activities to address these misconceptions in a timely manner.…”

“…One of the shortfalls of the JiTT methodology is that requires extremely competent instructors, who are experts on the topics covered so that they can tailor the contents taught to the needs of the classroom on the fly [3]. Much the same applies when the JiTT is made use of within the context of computational modeling, as in [12]. In this regard, having our own tool ensures that we are experts on its usage and know its inner functioning in and out, which has allowed us to be effective in tailoring the modeling activities to address learners' misconceptions by guiding the inquiry-driven learning process.…”

How Does the Students’ Critical Thinking Ability in Geometry Optics?

“…But also not a few students who find it difficult to evaluate whether the data contained in the problem is in accordance with the equation. So it can be said that students also have difficulty in mathematical calculations (Rodriguez et al, 2013). Of the three questions that represent the aspect of reasoning, item 3 is a matter that gets the highest percentage compared to the other two questions.…”

“…In the last question the students also still look confused in choosing the position of convex mirror that will be placed at the fork of the road, seen from the answer sheet most students still have not answered correctly on problem number 12. The statement refers to (Rodriguez et al, 2013) still lacks the mastery of optical geometry and is still weak in mathematical calculations.…”