Online physics tutorial using problem-solving worksheet: A case study with preservice science teachers

Abstract

The research-designed worksheets have been shown in our previous study. They could help engage students during lectures and tutorials. However, it was implemented only in face-to-face teaching. This study aimed to investigate if the worksheet can also help engage students as well as facilitate effective teaching in an online tutorial class. The basic concept of force and motion, particularly a free-body diagram, was applied. The worksheet was structured into three task boxes: 1) interpreting a situation, 2) identifying variables, and 3) drawing the diagram. The approach was trialed with 30 preservice science teachers. In the tutorial, the lecture was reduced to the minimum and the discussion based on the activity in the worksheet was encouraged between students and between students and teacher. Open-ended questions were used as pre- and post-tests to examine students’ understanding. A video clip investigated the interaction during the classroom. The results from the SOLO levels showed that most student difficulties found in the pre-test were reduced. Prior to the tutorial, some students could not identify the forces on an object correctly. After the tutorial, their understanding improved. The normalized gain was in the high-level judging from the post-test. The students’ reflections also revealed positive feedback.