TEACHING RADIOACTIVE DECAY THROUGH A MODEL-BASED APPROACH WITH THE COACH PLATFORM FOR A-LEVEL PHYSICS STUDENTS
Main Article Content
Abstract
This study examines the concept and structure of modeling competence and proposes a model-based approach to physics teaching intended to develop this competence. Based on this approach, the authors designed and implemented a learning activity on radioactive decay that integrated the COACH platform, a tool for simulation, data collection, and analysis in physics education. Designed within a STEM-oriented framework, the lesson engaged students in modeling tasks such as simulating radioactive decay, constructing nuclear reaction models, analyzing collected data, and validating models. Findings from classroom observations and teaching experiments indicate that students demonstrated key aspects of modeling competence by identifying the underlying nature of physical phenomena, using digital tools to construct and test models, and evaluating and revising models based on experimental data.
Keywords
modeling competence, model-based approach, COACH platform, modeling, radioactive decay
Article Details
References
Duong, H. T., & Tran, V. T. (2016). Dạy học bằng mô hình hóa toán học: Một chiến lược dạy học khái niệm logarit ở trường phổ thông [Teaching through mathematical modeling: A teaching strategy for teaching the concept of logarithms in high school]. Can Tho University Journal of Science, 46(C), 62–72. https://doi.org/10.22144/ctu.jvn.2016.558
Gilbert, J. K., & Justi, R. (2016). Modelling-based teaching in science education. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-29039-3
Hestenes, D. (2010). Modeling theory for math and science education. In R. Lesh, P. L. Galbraith, C. R. Haines, & A. Hurford (Eds.), Modeling students’ mathematical modeling competencies (pp. 13–41). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0561-1_3
Justi, R., & Gilbert, J. K. (2002). Models and modelling in chemical education. In J. K. Gilbert, O. De Jong, R. Justi, D. F. Treagust, & J. H. Van Driel (Eds.), Chemical education: Towards research-based practice (pp. 47–68). Kluwer Academic Publishers. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-306-47977-X_3
Ministry of Education and Training. (2018). Chương trình Giáo dục phổ thông – Môn Vật Lí [General education curriculum – Physics].
NGSS Lead States. (2013). Next Generation Science Standards: For states, by states. National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/18290
Nguyen, D. T., & Nguyen, N. H. (2002). Tổ chức hoạt động nhận thức cho học sinh trong dạy học Vật lí ở trường phổ thông [Organizing students’ cognitive activities in physics teaching at secondary schools]. Vietnam National University Press.
Oh, P. S., & Oh, S. J. (2022). What teachers of science need to know about models and modelling in science education. International Journal of Science Education, 44(5), 739–758.
Schwarz, C. V., Passmore, C., & Reiser, B. J. (2023). Helping students make sense of the world using next generation science and engineering practices (2nd ed.). NSTA Press.