Independent Study Simulations versus Practical Experiments: A study of 5E Model Effects as Conceptual Change Strategy in Physics

Abstract

This study identifies and describes and treats physics misconceptions held by pre-service teachers. 30 pre-service teachers (undergraduate students) from Palestine participated in this study. Multiple choice test was used to examine misconceptions among the participants before and after participating in a conceptual change workshop designed depending on the 5E model. Pre-test and Post-test results indicated that 5E model (both by independent study simulations and practical experiments) was effective in eliminating teachers’ misconceptions. Through this conceptual change workshop, the participants were also able to transfer learning and improve their understanding of untreated Physics misconceptions.