Determination of Secondary School Students' Misconceptions about the Electric Current Using a Three Tier Test, Concept Maps and Analogies

AYKUTLU I., ŞEN A. İ.

EGITIM VE BILIM-EDUCATION AND SCIENCE, vol.37, no.166, pp.275-288, 2012 (SSCI) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 37 Issue: 166
  • Publication Date: 2012
  • Journal Name: EGITIM VE BILIM-EDUCATION AND SCIENCE
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.275-288
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Qualitative research methodologies were used in this research to find the misconceptions of secondary school students about the electric current. Data were collected through the Elektricity Concept Test with a three tier test, concept mapping activity sheet and electric-related concepts analogy sheet. A total of 97 students from three different secondary schools participated in the study. The research concluded that students had misconceptions about some concepts related to the electric current such as current, resistance, potential difference, generator/battery and simple electric circuit. The misconception that students have about electric current as "The current is stored in the generator/battery" was indicated through the Elektricity Concept Test, concept maps and analogies. In the light of this research study, it is suggested that in addition to concept tests, concept maps and analogies can be used in determining misconceptions.