This article describes an investigation of student understanding of geometrical optics and illustrates the use of research as a basis for the development of curriculum. Evidence is presented that university students who have studied physics at the introductory level and beyond often cannot apply basic concepts from geometrical optics to account for the pattern produced on a screen when an aperture or obstacle is placed between a light source and the screen. Identification and analysis of student difficulties guided the initial design of a tutorial to supplement instruction in a typical calculus-based or algebra-based course. Development of a laboratory-based, inquiry-oriented curriculum for precollege teachers took place concurrently. Ongoing assessment was an integral part of the curriculum development process. The instructional materials that evolved from this iterative cycle have proved to be effective with the target populations.
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October 1998
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October 01 1998
Development and assessment of a research-based tutorial on light and shadow Available to Purchase
Karen Wosilait;
Karen Wosilait
Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-1560
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Paula R. L. Heron;
Paula R. L. Heron
Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-1560
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Peter S. Shaffer;
Peter S. Shaffer
Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-1560
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Lillian C. McDermott
Lillian C. McDermott
Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-1560
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Karen Wosilait
Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-1560
Paula R. L. Heron
Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-1560
Peter S. Shaffer
Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-1560
Lillian C. McDermott
Department of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-1560
Am. J. Phys. 66, 906–913 (1998)
Article history
Received:
September 16 1997
Accepted:
March 13 1998
Citation
Karen Wosilait, Paula R. L. Heron, Peter S. Shaffer, Lillian C. McDermott; Development and assessment of a research-based tutorial on light and shadow. Am. J. Phys. 1 October 1998; 66 (10): 906–913. https://doi.org/10.1119/1.18988
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