Investigation of the effect of computer simulation-based learning based on constructivism in removing physicsmisconceptions

Introduction: Learners in the correct understanding of physics concepts express theirinability, So change in the way of teaching the concepts of physics is necessary; in fact that effective training is learning materials actively involved in the construction ofthe mind. The aim of the present study is to study the effect of computer simulationbased on constructivist approach to remove the misconception in physics course.Methods: The research procedure is quasi-experimental with pretest- posttest andcontrol group design. The population consists of all male and female secondary schoolstudents in Yazd (2009). This research includes 216 students in 2nd grade of highschool in Yazd province. The sample is randomly assigned to experimental andcontrol groups. The data collection tool is a questionnaire, using a panel of experts toverify the validity anda using Cronbach's alpha as75% to verify the reliability. Forstatistical analysis, software SPSS version 16 is used to examine the questions of the ttests.Results: The results of the analysis of data using statistical t independent groupsshowed that. There are significant differences in the effectiveness of computersimulation based on constructivist approach which remove the misconception inphysics course (df= 160.53, t= -10.45, sig= 0.00, p< 0.01).Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, ways of presenting conceptswith the help of computer simulation based on constructivist approach is an effectivecomponent to remove the misconception in physics course.

Keywords:

Constructivist , Misconception , Computer Simulation , Learning , Physics