Learning of electromagnetic induction theory in general physics university courses. A teaching based on guided problem solving

Abstract

This study describes the design, implementation and effectiveness of a sequence of teaching on Electromagnetic induction (IEM) for the first course in science and engineering degrees. The script has been designed taking into account aspects such as: the interests, attitudes and values of students and the curriculum standards; the results of empirical studies on concepts and students reasoning; and also, the relative contributions to how the way we learn and are taught in the field of science. The evaluation of the sequence has been made in an «internal» way, comparing the results obtained by the «experimental» group of students before and after implementing the sequence; it has also been made in an «external» way by comparing the results of this group with a control one. The results obtained in the experimental group point out that the implementation of the designed sequence has contributed to the better understanding of some key ideas of the IEM.