The Use of Multiple Representations in Undergraduate Physics Education: What Do we Know and Where Do we Go from Here?
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Nuril Munfaridah 1 2 * , Lucy Avraamidou 1, Martin Goedhart 1
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1 Institute for Science Education and Communication, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, NETHERLANDS
2 Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Malang, Jl. Semarang No.5 Malang, 65145, INDONESIA
* Corresponding Author

Abstract

Using multiple representations (MR) such as graphs, symbols, diagrams, and text, is central to teaching and learning in physics classrooms. While different studies have provided evidence of the positive impact of the use of MR on physics learning, a comprehensive overview of existing literature on the use of MR in physics education, especially at the undergraduate level, is missing. This manuscript addresses this gap in the literature by reporting on the outcomes of a systematic review study that aimed to provide an overview of the existing knowledge base, to identify gaps in the knowledge base, and to propose future research about the use of MR in the context of undergraduate physics education. For the purpose of this study, we reviewed 24 empirical studies published between 2002 and 2019 in scientific, peer-reviewed journals in the context of undergraduate physics education. The outcomes of this review study are discussed under these themes (a) In what ways does the use of MR in instruction support student learning? (b) What kinds of representations do students use? (c) What difficulties do students face in using MR? (d) What is the relation between students’ use of MR and students’ problem-solving skills? and, (e) What is the added value of technology integration in teaching with MR? We identify gaps in the existing knowledge base, and we propose future research directions in these three areas: (a) Exploring the use of MR in university physics textbooks; (b) Blending of different kinds of MR; and, (c) The use of virtual reality applications.

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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: Literature Review

https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/9577

EURASIA J Math Sci Tech Ed, 2021 - Volume 17 Issue 1, Article No: em1934

Publication date: 16 Jan 2021

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