Developing Covariational Reasoning Among Students Using Contexts of Formulas

Abstract

Multiple studies have been conducted to assess students’ ability to apply covariational reasoning to sketching graphs in physics. This study is supported by research on developing students’ skills in sketching functions in mathematics. It attempts to evaluate physics students’ ability to apply these skills to identify critical algebraic attributes of physics formulas for their potential to be sketched. Rather than seeking formulas’ physical interpretation, this study is posited to challenge students’ skills to merge their mathematical knowledge within physics structures. A group of thirty ([Formula: see text]) first-year college-level physics students were provided with two physically identical equations that described the object’s position. However, one equation was expressed in functional mathematical notation, whereas the other in a standard formula notation. The students were asked to classify the symbols in each formula as variables or parameters and determine these formulas’ potential to be graphed in respective coordinates. The analysis revealed that 93% of these students considered function notation as possessing sketchable potential against 13% who envisioned such potential in the standard formula notation. Further investigations demystified students’ confusion about the classification of the symbols used in the formula notation. These results opened up a gate for discussing the effects of algebraic notations in physics on activating students’ covariational skills gained in mathematics courses. Suggestions for improving physics instructions stemming from this study are discussed.