An ausubelian approach for teaching electromagnetism in the causal interpretation

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55767/2451.6007.v35.n2.43737

Keywords:

Ausubelian theory, Causal interpretation of electromagnetism, Tesla coil, Advance organizers

Abstract

We present the main ideas associated with a proposed Ausubelian approach to teaching of the phenomenology and laws of electromagnetism, emphasizing their causal interpretation. The concepts of electrostatics, magnetostatics, electrodynamics, electromagnetic field and electromagnetic waves are progressively developed, assuming the central role of the concept of causality. By hypothesis, the principle of causality should function as an Ausubelian key which, acting as part of (potential) subsumption structures, we assume to be, in this context, effective in achieving what Ausubel understood as meaningful learning. To this end, we propose the use of a set of teaching instruments based on four experiments: the Van de Graaff generator/electroscope, the electromagnet/magnetoscope, the Faraday's experiment and the Tesla coil. These experiments should be represented by their respective experimental conceptual diagrams. These, in turn, should be constructed based on theoretical conceptual diagrams, developed to structure electromagnetism according to causal interpretation. Specific parts of these teaching instruments can also be interpreted as advance organizers, depending on the objectives and circumstances in which they be used.

References

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Published

2023-12-19

How to Cite

Sousa Rodrigues Duarte, I. de, & Mota Polito, A. M. (2023). An ausubelian approach for teaching electromagnetism in the causal interpretation. Journal of Physics Teaching, 35(2), 243–257. https://doi.org/10.55767/2451.6007.v35.n2.43737

Issue

Vol. 35 No. 2 (2023): July - December

Section

Essays and Special Topics

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