Prospective physics teachers' use of multiple representations for solving the image formation problems

Abstract

The aim of this research is to determine the role of multiple representations such as problem picture, ray diagram, and equation used by the students in solution of the image projection problems. The study is performed by the survey method. The participants of this study were prospective physics teachers of a faculty of education from a state university in Turkey. Fifty-three teacher candidates solved open-ended questions and 20 of them were also interviewed. The results have shown that the students used two different types of solution method; in solution 1, they used the solution method where "problem pictures, mirror/lens equations and ray diagrams" are used, and in solution 2, they used the solution method where "problem pictures and mirror/lens equations" are used. The results show that students mostly prefer the second solution method, however, the students who prefer the first solution method are more successful than them. Also, it is found that the students have various alternative ideas about the usage of these multiple representations. The reasons of these alternative ideas are discussed at the end of the study.