Overcoming Students’ Misconceptions on Forces in Equilibrium: An Action Research Study

Abstract

This collaborative action research involving a supervisor and a student teacher aims to assist 23 Form Four (16 years old) students to overcome their misconceptions on the topic of forces in equilibrium state. This study adopts the action research cycle: Identify-Plan-Act-Reflect. The pre-test results showed that students had problems in recognizing the forces. Consequently, a teaching intervention was planned and carried out to improve students’ ability to identify and recognize the forces that exist for an object in the equilibrium state. The teaching intervention emphasizes on the basic characteristics of the force arrow namely the direction, magnitude, labeling and starting point of force. The post test results showed that students’ ability to draw the force arrows correctly had improved, with the exception of identifying the starting point of force. The action research study managed to guide the student teacher to identify and help to overcome misconceptions of her students.

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