Using interactive simulations to enhance conceptual development and problem solving skills

Research during recent decades indicates that traditional didactic instruction is not producing the student learning that we desire. More importantly, research is helping in the development of new pedagogical strategies and curriculum that are improving student achievement. We describe one effort based on this research. The goals are to help students develop qualitative representations and imagery so that they can reason effectively without math about physical processes; learn to use the symbolic language of physics by linking it to other representations such as words, sketches, diagrams, and graphs; develop the skills needed to solve complex multipart problems; learn to learn; and develop the skills needed to work effectively in groups. Interactive multimedia plays an important role in this learning system.