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An exploratory study on inclusion of visual representations of thermodynamics-related problems | IEEE Conference Publication | IEEE Xplore

An exploratory study on inclusion of visual representations of thermodynamics-related problems


Abstract:

Engineering students conceptualize problems in diverse ways depending how the problems are presented. In this study, we investigate how different representations of probl...Show More

Abstract:

Engineering students conceptualize problems in diverse ways depending how the problems are presented. In this study, we investigate how different representations of problems, such as with images and sketches versus traditional word description of problems, allow students to recall information. Some students experience difficulties visualizing a concept when given a word problem while others do not have the same difficulty. A plausible explanation is that students who have less difficulties may be more creative problem solvers or have a better understanding of the material. Data for this study was taken from 132 students enrolled in an introductory thermodynamics course in a large Midwestern university. Half of the participants (n=65) were asked to recognize applications of Laws of Thermodynamics in comparison to the other half (n=67) who were presented with images and asked to identify which Law of Thermodynamics was being depicted. We hypothesized that a higher percentage of students presented with only the images would answer correctly questions of the Laws of Thermodynamics compared to the students who were presented with a standard text description of the problems and asked to answer the questions. The results did not corroborate with our hypothesis. Findings revealed nearly identical performance. In this exploratory study, we discuss outcomes in terms of the underlying links between students' abilities to recall information and the potential of visual representations to enhance learning of thermodynamics-related concepts.
Date of Conference: 18-21 October 2017
Date Added to IEEE Xplore: 14 December 2017
ISBN Information:
Conference Location: Indianapolis, IN, USA

References

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