Physical Review Special Topics. Physics Education Research (Mar 2012)

How do they solve it? An insight into the learner’s approach to the mechanism of physics problem solving

  • Balasubrahmanya Hegde,
  • B. N. Meera

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevSTPER.8.010109
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8, no. 1
p. 010109

Abstract

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A perceived difficulty is associated with physics problem solving from a learner’s viewpoint, arising out of a multitude of reasons. In this paper, we have examined the microstructure of students’ thought processes during physics problem solving by combining the analysis of responses to multiple-choice questions and semistructured student interviews. Design of appropriate scaffoldings serves as pointers to the identification of student problem solving difficulties. An analysis of the results suggests the necessity of identification of the skill sets required for developing better problem solving abilities.