The World through My Eyes: Fostering Students’ Understanding of Basic Optics Concepts Related to Vision and Image Formation

Abstract

Prior research has shown that many secondary school students have a insufficient conceptual understanding of basic optics concepts even after formal instruction. In this paper, we empirically investigate whether a phenomenological approach might be a sensible alternative to traditional model-based instruction of introductory optics in early physics education. We report the results of a quasi-experimental field study to examine the effect of a phenomenological approach following the Erlangen teaching–learning sequence of introductory optics on N=42 eight graders’ acquisition of conceptual understanding related to (1) the process of vision, (2) refraction, and (3) image formation by converging lenses. We contrast the learning outcomes with those of N=55 control group students who participated in traditional model-based instruction. The results of this study indicate that the phenomenological approach is superior to traditional (model-based) instruction in promoting students’ conceptual understanding of basic optics concepts, in particular with regard to circumventing widespread learning difficulties related to image formation. Our results are further substantiated by a comparison of students’ situational interest in optics between both groups. This adds further arguments in favor of the use of phenomenological approaches when it comes to teaching basic optics concepts in classroom practice.