Using electronic interviews to explore student understanding

D. J. Wagner, J. J. Rivera, Fran Mateycik, Sybillyn Jennings

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper reports on methods used to probe student understandings of optical fibers and total internal reflection (TIR). The study was conducted as part of the expansion and improvement of web-based materials for an innovative introductory physics course. Initially, we conducted face-to-face Piaget-style interviews with a convenience sample. Our next step was to interview students taking the course at Rensselaer. Physical limitations necessitated that this be done from a distance, so we conducted "e-interviews" using a Chat Room. In this paper we focus on the e-interview experience, discussing similarities to and differences from the traditional face-to-face approach. In the process, we address how each method informs us about students' activation of prior experiences in making sense of unfamiliar phenomena (e.g., "transfer of learning").

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2004 PHYSICS EDUCATION RESEARCH CONFERENCE
Pages201-204
Number of pages4
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 16 2005
Event2004 PHYSICS EDUCATION RESEARCH CONFERENCE - Sacramento, CA, United States
Duration: Aug 4 2004Aug 5 2004

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Volume790
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Other

Other2004 PHYSICS EDUCATION RESEARCH CONFERENCE
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySacramento, CA
Period8/4/048/5/04

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Physics and Astronomy

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Using electronic interviews to explore student understanding'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this