The development of an inquiry-based learning unit in light reflection and refraction

Abstract

This research developed a learning unit regarding reflection and refraction of light and based on the inquiry method, for grade 11 Thai high-school students. Students' misconceptions and learning improvement are also determined. The learning unit consists of five main topics: seeing factors and the meaning of light ray; reflection of light; images formed by a plane mirror; images formed by a curve mirror and refraction of light. The samples of this research are 196 Thai high-school students of grade 11, of which 99 students are taught by an inquiry method. In contrast, another 97 students are taught by a traditional method. The lecturers of both student groups described the main concepts of the course at the beginning. The students' learning improvement was measured by a pre and post-test using the conceptual test. Moreover, students' ideas detected during the instruction that are concerned with each main concept are considered. From the results, there are many student misconceptions about reflection and refraction of light. It is found that the learning unit can help students improve their understanding of most of the main concepts, but it should be modified in the topic of refraction of light.