The Effects of a DLSCL Approach on Students Conceptual Understanding in an Undergraduate Introductory Physics Lab
Muhammad Riaz 1 2 * , Thomas J. Marcinkowski 3, Ali Faisal 4
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1 Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, Karakorum International University Gilgit. PAKISTAN2 Department of Mathematics Education, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Florida, USA3 Professor and Program Chair, Department of Mathematics Education, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Florida, USA4 Office of Development, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Florida, USA* Corresponding Author

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of Discovery Learning Scientific Community Laboratories (DL-SCL) and traditional non-DLSCL laboratories on students’ conceptual understanding in a Physics-1 lab. At many universities, physics programs use a traditional lab style, despite research on the benefits for reform-oriented physics labs. This DL-SCL approach included features of inquiry-based learning (e.g., students generated hypotheses and designed experiments) and scientific community labs (e.g., students discussed designs and findings). This study used a quasi-experimental design with quantitative-method data collection and analysis procedures. Twelve sections of a Physics I lab were assigned to two groups: Treatment (DL-SCL) and Control (non-DL-SCL). In Treatment and Control sections, conceptual understanding was measured pre/post using the Mechanics Baseline Test (MBT) and the Force Concept Inventory (FCI). Study findings indicated that DL-SCL approach in teaching Physics Lab-1 significantly improved students’ conceptual understanding.

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This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Article Type: Research Article

EURASIA J Math Sci Tech Ed, Volume 16, Issue 2, February 2020, Article No: em1813

https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/112311

Publication date: 21 Oct 2019

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