Learning from physics text: A synthesis of recent research
Authors:
- 1 November 1994
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Wiley in Journal of Research in Science Teaching
- Vol. 31 (9) , 895-911
Abstract
Learning from physics text is described as a complex interaction of learner, text, and context variables. As a multidimensional procedure, text processing in the domain of physics relies on readers' knowledge and interest, and on readers' ability to monitor or regulate their processing. Certain textual features intended to assist readers in understanding and remembering physics content may actually work to the detriment of those very processes. Inclusion of seductive details and the incorporation of analogies may misdirect readers' attention or may increase processing demands, particularly in those cases when readers' physics knowledge is low. The questioning behaviors of teachers also impact on the task of comprehending physics texts. Finally, within the context of the classroom, the information that teachers dispense or the materials they employ can significantly influence the process of learning from physics text.Keywords
This publication has 50 references indexed in Scilit:
- Dimensions of the Interplay Between Learning and TeachingThe Educational Forum, 1993
- Intuitive physics in action and judgment: The development of knowledge about projectile motion.Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 1993
- Analogy, explanation, and educationJournal of Research in Science Teaching, 1992
- Domain Knowledge: Evolving Themes and Emerging ConcernsEducational Psychologist, 1992
- Interest, Learning, and MotivationEducational Psychologist, 1991
- Metacognition: Answered and Unanswered QuestionsEducational Psychologist, 1989
- Interdomain transfer between isomorphic topics in algebra and physics.Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 1989
- Metaphor and the free recall of technical textDiscourse Processes, 1987
- Novice strategies for processing scientific textsDiscourse Processes, 1986
- Effect of interest on attentional shift, recognition, and recall in young children.Developmental Psychology, 1985