PERC 2021 Abstract Detail Page
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| Abstract Title: | Physics Problem-Solvers on Why They Generate Unprompted Diagrams |
|---|---|
| Abstract: | Previous work has shown that many physics students will draw unprompted diagrams while solving physics problems. These diagrams are distinct from prompted student-generated diagrams in that they tend to be smaller and contain fewer details, an unsurprising finding given that these two types of diagrams are generated for different reasons. In this study, we expand and elaborate on reasons physics problem-solvers generate diagrams and the differences between unprompted and prompted diagrams by analyzing a set of 10 interviews with undergraduates, graduates, postdocs, and faculty in physics. Interviewees were given six physics problems and three diagramming tasks to complete, followed by a set of explicit questions about diagramming while problem solving. Participants reported that their unprompted diagrams help them: understand the situation and question; store, organize, and prioritize information; and support solution strategies; and communicate information. Participants also shared their beliefs about the limitations of diagrams, including when they are not useful or stop being useful, and difficulties with generating diagrams. |
| Abstract Type: | Contributed Poster Presentation |
| Session Time: | Poster Session 2 Room B |
| Poster Number: | 2B-21 |
| Contributed Paper Record: | Contributed Paper Information |
| Contributed Paper Download: | Download Contributed Paper |
Author/Organizer Information | |
| Primary Contact: |
Michael Vignal University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, CO 80304 Phone: 2535796293 |
| Co-Author(s) and Co-Presenter(s) |
Bethany R. Wilcox, University of Colorado Boulder |
