Teachers' understandings and perceptions of Newton's third law of motion.
Date
1995
Authors
Taylor, Dale Lesley
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The purpose of the research was to investigate South African teachers' understandings of
Newton's third law of motion, and their perceptions regarding the teaching of it. The treatment
of the law by South African, British and American textbooks was also examined. Teachers'
ideas were investigated qualitatively by interviewing sixteen teachers and teachers-in-training.
Alternative ideas found by other researchers were evident in some of the interviewees. and
further alternative ideas were uncovered The research showed that the form in which a
teacher stated the law correlated to their understanding of the law, Furthermore, experience
in teaching the law can result in improvement in the understanding and/or teaching methods
of a teacher. American textbooks contain the best presentation of the law; South African
textbooks are adequate in their treatment. though containing errors. Recommendations have
been made regarding teacher training. textbooks and education department policy.
Description
A RESEARCH REPORT
submitted to the
School of Science Education
in the
Faculty of Science
of the
University of the Witwatersrand,
Johannesburg. South Africa
in partial fulfilment of the
requirements for the degree of
MASTER OF SCIENCE
Keywords
Physics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa.