The impact of computer simulations on the teaching and learning of electromagnetism in grade 11 : a case study of a school in the Mpumalanga Province
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Authors
Kotoka, Jonas Kwadzo
Issue Date
2012-06
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Computer Simulations , Electromagnetism: magnetic field lines , Right hand grip rule , Flemings left and right hand rules , Motors and generators , Grade 11 Physics , Constructivist Theory
Alternative Title
Abstract
The study investigated the impact of computer simulations on the teaching and learning of electromagnetism in grade 11. Electromagnetism is a section of the Physical Science curriculum. Two grade 11 classes in the Mgwenya circuit in Mpumalanga province of South Africa were used as a case study. Using a pre-test, post-test non-equivalent control group design, it was found that learners in the experimental group (n = 30) who were taught using the simulations achieved significantly higher scores on the post-test than learners in the control group (n = 35) who were taught using traditional teacher-centred teaching method; (t statistic = 3.582, df = 56, p<0.05). Learners were more active during the lessons, predicting, observing, discussing and explaining concepts. The use of simulations also provided support (scaffolding) that the learners need to enhance learning. The Hake’s normalized gain for the experimental group <g> = 0.32 compared to <g> = 0.18 for the control group confirmed conceptual improvement. Both teachers and learners indicated that they accept the use of computer simulations in teaching and learning of electromagnetism.
Description
Citation
Kotoka, Jonas Kwadzo (2012) The impact of computer simulations on the teaching and learning of electromagnetism in grade 11 : a case study of a school in the Mpumalanga Province, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/6577>