The MC2 Research Group studies issues pertaining to modelling and conceptual change in science education research.
Modelling - Our group conceive physics, as an activity in mathematical modelling of the world around us, with the goal of making sense of it and generating explanations that have predictive capability. We seek to provide students and teachers an appreciation of the basic processes involved modelling by:
- Recasting derivations as a process of loading reality into mathematics
- Developing interactive learning systems that illustrate the modelling process underlying derivations
Conceptual Change - Learning science involves construction of sophisticated modes of reasoning by building on our existing knowledge systems. The educational implication that follows is to take into account student conceptions in teaching and learning of science. We seek to understand
- Student conceptions in topics of physics, their nature and role in learning
- Role of conceptual questions and concept inventories in improving instruction