A Three-Dimensional Approach and Open Source Structure for the Design and Experimentation of Teaching-Learning Sequences: The Case of Friction

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Bibliographic Details
Title: A Three-Dimensional Approach and Open Source Structure for the Design and Experimentation of Teaching-Learning Sequences: The Case of Friction
Language: English
Authors: Besson, Ugo, Borghi, Lidia, De Ambrosis, Anna
Source: International Journal of Science Education. Jul 2010 32(10):1289-1313.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Physical Description: PDF
Page Count: 25
Publication Date: 2010
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Grade 11
Grade 9
Higher Education
Secondary Education
Descriptors: Scientific Research, Criticism, Motivation, Teaching Methods, Models, Secondary Schools, Secondary School Students, College Students, Scientific Concepts, Teacher Education, Physics, Student Teachers, Grade 11, Grade 9
DOI: 10.1080/09500690903023350
ISSN: 0950-0693
Abstract: We have developed a teaching-learning sequence (TLS) on friction based on a preliminary study involving three dimensions: an analysis of didactic research on the topic, an overview of usual approaches, and a critical analysis of the subject, considered also in its historical development. We found that mostly the usual presentations do not take into account the complexity of friction as it emerges from scientific research, may reinforce some inaccurate students' conceptions, and favour a limited vision of friction phenomena. The TLS we propose begins by considering a wide range of friction phenomena to favour an initial motivation and a broader view of the topic and then develops a path of interrelated observations, experiments, and theoretical aspects. It proposes the use of structural models, involving visual representations and stimulating intuition, aimed at helping students build mental models of friction mechanisms. To facilitate the reproducibility in school contexts, the sequence is designed as an "open source structure," with a "core" of contents, conceptual correlations and methodological choices, and a "cloud" of elements that can be re-designed by teachers. The sequence has been tested in teacher education and in upper secondary school, and has shown positive results in overcoming student difficulties and stimulating richer reasoning based on the structural models we suggested. The proposed path has modified the teachers' view of the topic, producing a motivation to change their traditional presentations. The open structure of the sequence has facilitated its implementation by teachers in school in coherence with the rationale of the proposal. (Contains 1 table, 9 figures, and 1 note.)
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 52
Entry Date: 2010
Accession Number: EJ886569
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:We have developed a teaching-learning sequence (TLS) on friction based on a preliminary study involving three dimensions: an analysis of didactic research on the topic, an overview of usual approaches, and a critical analysis of the subject, considered also in its historical development. We found that mostly the usual presentations do not take into account the complexity of friction as it emerges from scientific research, may reinforce some inaccurate students' conceptions, and favour a limited vision of friction phenomena. The TLS we propose begins by considering a wide range of friction phenomena to favour an initial motivation and a broader view of the topic and then develops a path of interrelated observations, experiments, and theoretical aspects. It proposes the use of structural models, involving visual representations and stimulating intuition, aimed at helping students build mental models of friction mechanisms. To facilitate the reproducibility in school contexts, the sequence is designed as an "open source structure," with a "core" of contents, conceptual correlations and methodological choices, and a "cloud" of elements that can be re-designed by teachers. The sequence has been tested in teacher education and in upper secondary school, and has shown positive results in overcoming student difficulties and stimulating richer reasoning based on the structural models we suggested. The proposed path has modified the teachers' view of the topic, producing a motivation to change their traditional presentations. The open structure of the sequence has facilitated its implementation by teachers in school in coherence with the rationale of the proposal. (Contains 1 table, 9 figures, and 1 note.)
ISSN:0950-0693
DOI:10.1080/09500690903023350