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Title:
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FOSTERING CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING OF PARALLEL CIRCUITS BEHAVIOUR BY CONSTRUCTING QUALITATIVE REPRESENTATIONS |
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Author(s):
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Tessa Hoogma, Marco Kragten and Bert Bredeweg |
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ISBN:
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978-989-8704-72-6 |
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Editors:
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Demetrios G. Sampson, Dirk Ifenthaler and Pedro Isaías |
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Year:
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2025 |
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Edition:
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Single |
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Keywords:
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Qualitative Representations, Parallel Circuits, Support Functions |
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Type:
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Short Paper |
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First Page:
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392 |
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Last Page:
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396 |
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Language:
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English |
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Cover:
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Full Contents:
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Paper Abstract:
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Understanding the behaviour of parallel circuits is challenging for many students. In this paper, we present a lesson designed
to support students in learning about parallel circuits by constructing a qualitative representation. Qualitative
representations are non-numerical models that focus on causal relationships and system states, aligning closely with human
reasoning. The lesson consists of three units that help students understand both the specific system behaviour of parallel
circuits and develop general qualitative reasoning skills. Students are guided through the modeling process using a
structured workbook containing explanations and reflection prompts, and by built-in support functions within the modelling
software. Results show that students make frequent use of these support functions and that most students are able to
successfully construct a correct qualitative representation by the end of the lesson. This approach illustrates how learning
through model construction can deepen conceptual understanding of system behaviour. |
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