Title |
Design Thinking in Physics Olympics: An Innovative Approach in Promoting Students’ Conceptual Understanding and Motivation |
Authors |
Fredyrose Ivan L. Pinar, MST, Sotero O. Malayao Jr., MEd,and Lydia S. Roleda, PhD |
Publication date |
2020 |
Conference |
38th Samahang Pisika ng Pilipinas (SPP) Conference (Online) |
Pages |
65 |
Abstract |
The study utilized design thinking in Physics Olympics. Physics Olympics is a schoolwide event of practical performance tasks where it provided opportunities to engage students and ensure dynamic and thought-provoking learning experiences through competitive and collaborative activities and spontaneous exposure to authentic design tasks. The design thinking process, considered as a novel problem-solving approach, was employed in light of the contextualization of performance tasks in the Olympics. The study was carried out before the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic. Studentparticipants were selected classes one each from Grade 7 to Grade 12 which were grouped into four different domains on a multilevel scale as competing teams. Researchers developed STEM-design thinking activities and task sheets which were validated by experts in the field. This study follows a quasi-experimental research design that utilized qualitative and quantitative methods. Quantitative data were gathered from students' responses in the questionnaires (Conceptual Understanding, Activity Perception, and Physics Motivation Questionnaires) to analyze students’ conceptual understanding, determine students' perceptions, and investigate students' motivation towards learning Physics, respectively. The qualitative method was used to shape the interview protocol and analysis of responses taken from students’ perceptions and interviews, and teachers’ feedback on Physics Olympics, thereto, analyzed and identified common themes and emerging categories based on response transcriptions. Hence in this method, both qualitative and quantitative data are cross-validated to corroborate findings. Findings revealed that the utilization of the design thinking process in the Physics Olympics positively enhanced students’ conceptual understanding of physics and promote more positive attitudes towards the physics concepts and its application. |
Index terms / Keywords |
Physics Olympics; performance tasks; motivation; design thinking; 21stcentury skills |
URL |
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