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Title
Comparing different approaches to visualizing light waves: An experimental study on teaching wave optics
Authors
SourcePhysical Review Physics Education Research 12 (2016) 1, S. 010135-1-010135-18 ZDB
Document  (490 KB)
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Keywords (German)
sub-discipline
Document typeArticle (journal)
ISSN2469-9896; 24699896
LanguageEnglish
Year of creation
review statusPeer-Reviewed
Abstract (English):Research has shown that students have tremendous difficulties developing a qualitative understanding of wave optics, at all educational levels. In this study, we investigate how three different approaches to visualizing light waves affect students’ understanding of wave optics. In the first, the conventional, approach light waves are represented by sinusoidal curves. The second teaching approach includes representing light waves by a series of static images, showing the oscillating electric field vectors at characteristic, subsequent instants of time. Within the third approach phasors are used for visualizing light waves. A total of N=85 secondary school students were randomly assigned to one of the three teaching approaches, each of which lasted a period of four class hours. Students who learned with phasors and students who learned from the series of static images outperformed the students learning according to the conventional approach, i.e., they showed a much better understanding of basic wave optics, as measured by a conceptual survey administered to the students one week after the treatment. Our results suggest that visualizing light waves with phasors or oscillating electric field vectors is a promising approach to developing a deeper understanding of wave optics for students enrolled in conceptual level physics courses. (IPN/Orig.)
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Date of publication25.01.2017
CitationMešić, Vanes; Hajder, Erna; Neumann, Knut; Erceg, Nataša: Comparing different approaches to visualizing light waves: An experimental study on teaching wave optics - In: Physical Review Physics Education Research 12 (2016) 1, S. 010135-1-010135-18 - URN: urn:nbn:de:0111-pedocs-126837 - DOI: 10.25656/01:12683; 10.1103/PhysRevPhysEducRes.12.010135
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