Students' understanding of some concepts in introductory mechanics: A study among first year university students, UEW

Most physics instructors do not cons ider the way their students understandconcepts in physics. They assume that once the students are able to quotesome formulae to solve mathematical problems correctly by knowing how tomake change of subjects of variables in the formulae, then they are conversantwith the understanding of concepts as well. Also, because most physicsteachers consider one’s capabilities to solve difficult formula-based problemscorrectly in physics as a measure of students’ intelligence in physics concepts,they hardly give conceptual problems to students to analyze to see how wellthey understand them. In this study conceptual problem questions weredeveloped and given to probe into how students understand some concepts inmechanics. It was found out that most students understand some concepts inmechanics differently.