PERC 2018 Abstract Detail Page
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| Abstract Title: | Representational Integration: A framework for Mathematical Sense Making |
|---|---|
| Abstract: | In studying and analyzing physical systems, physicists make use of multiple representational forms including graphs, pictures, verbal descriptions, and mathematical expressions, each providing insight into the phenomenon of interest. We consider the coordination and integration of these representations to be an essential part of sense making, and when the mathematical formalisms are privileged in this integration we consider this to be mathematical sense making (MSM). Here, we distinguish between translation among representations and integration of multiple representational modes. We then present a preliminary framework for developing a taxonomy and understanding of this representational aspect of MSM. Using focus group data from students in a modern physics course, we show how sense making using abstract mathematical formalisms can be combined with conceptual understanding of the physical system to generate a more robust understanding of quantum phenomena. |
| Abstract Type: | Contributed Poster Presentation |
| Session Time: | Poster Session I |
| Poster Number: | A31 |
Author/Organizer Information | |
| Primary Contact: |
Julian D. Gifford University of Colorado Boulder 1895 Alpine Avenue Apartment B11 Boulder, CO 80304 Phone: 3606201899 |
| Co-Author(s) and Co-Presenter(s) |
Jessica R. Hoehn - University of Colorado Boulder Noah D. Finkelstein - University of Colorado Boulder |
