An activity based on modern didactic approaches for a constructivist approach of electromagnetism

Alexandros Papadimitriou1, Georgios Gyftodimos2, Maria Grigoriadou3
1 Department of Informatics and Telecommunications, University of Athens, alexandr@di.uoa.gr
2 Department of Philosophy of Science, University of Athens, geogyf31@di.uoa.gr
3 Department of Informatics and Telecommunications, University of Athens, gregor@di.uoa.gr
Panepistimiopolis, GR-15784 Athens, Greece

In this paper we describe a framework for a problem-solving activity that is based on the experimentation with simulations, explorations and guided discovery teaching approaches as it is supported by our adaptive educational hypermedia system MATHEMA. The aim of this activity is to help senior high school students to learn Physics conceptually and to overcome their possible misconceptions and learning difficulties in the domain of electromagnetism and to develop their critical thinking as well. We experimented with senior high school students and the results showed that they improved their performances by working individually and collaboratively.