Translation among modes of representation by pre-service physics teacher on magnetic force on particle concept

Abstract

In the 21st century, communication skills are the core of some competences required in a globalized world. Communication skills encompass the ability to speak and write confidently and to handle complex multi-modes information. For effective teaching a teacher need to be highly skilled in all these generic skills areas. In physics, more than only one representational format is often used to convey information and support knowledge construction. Pre-service physics teachers often find these use of representations both verbal and visual, and the translation between them difficult. This study was aimed at investigating translation among modes of representation skills of the pre-service physics teachers. The study involved 36 pre-service physics teachers. A test was constructed to measure their skills in translation among modes of representation. In this test, pre-service physics teachers were asked to explain concept in magnetic force on a particle. This finding support the necessity of developing skill of pre-service physics teachers in translation among modes of representation as a part of communication skills.