Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
European Journal of Physics, cilt.44, sa.1, 2023 (SCI-Expanded)
© 2022 European Physical Society.It is seen that the polarization of light, which has a wide applications in daily life and modern techniques, is not understood. A detailed investigation of prospective teachers’ conceptual understandings and misconceptions on the polarization of light can be a guide for both teaching the subject and revealing students’ conceptual understanding of electromagnetic waves. This study aims to determine prospective teachers’ conceptual understanding of the polarization of light. Using qualitative research methods, it was realised with the participation of 20 prospective teachers. Participants were asked five open-ended questions to determine their conceptual understanding of the polarization of light. These open-ended questions include polarization explanations and drawings. After first coding, eleven of them were interviewed. Findings indicate that participants have incorrect or insufficient conceptual understanding of the polarization of light. Participants’ explanations and drawings showed that prospective teachers thought of polarization as losing magnetic field, propagating in a single direction, and collecting beams of light. Based on the results obtained in the study, it is believed that prospective teachers’ conceptual difficulties about the polarization of light stem from not having completely understood the electromagnetic structure of light and the function of polaroids. Based on the results, explaining the limitations of each light model, using three-dimensional simulations, and inquiry-based teaching are suggested.