An Experimental Study on the Integrated Mode of the Computer Simulation in Scientific Discovery Learning in Middle School Physics Education

Abstract

Computer simulation can offer an open exploring learning environment for students. Therefore, it is usually considered as an instrument for the scientific discovery learning. Based upon the recent research, we analyzed the components of scientific discovery learning. Moreover, according to the teaching experience and the earlier investigations, we took computer simulation as an exploring tool for middle school students’ scientific discovery learning in their physics education. We designed an integrated mode, which could integrate computer simulation into experiments in the laboratory. Compared to the scientific discovery learning mode that is based upon the real-life experience, the results of the experimental study were as follows: (1) the integrated mode of computer simulation in scientific discovery learning showed very significant improved effects upon the students’ mastery of the principle knowledge; (2) the integrated mode of computer simulation in scientific discovery learning showed no significant improved effects upon the students’ intuitional understanding; (3) the integrated model of computer simulation into scientific discovery learning showed significant improved effects upon the students’ mastery of the flexible application of the knowledge; (4) the students’ achievement of physics had very significant effects upon their scientific discovery learning; (5) the integrated mode could make better use of the advantages of both the computer-simulated situations and the real-life experience, while at the same time it has some limitations in students’ understanding of the nature of the experiments and in testers’ grasping of the variations of students’ naive conceptions.

This paper was funded by the project of the Key Research Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences at University of Chongqing.