Thinking Physics

Thinking Physics for Teaching

The research in Physics Education has to do with the search of solutions to the complex problem of how to improve the learning and teaching of physics. The complexity of the problem lies in the different fields of knowledge that need to be considered in the research. In fact, besides the disciplinary knowledge in physics (which must be considered from the conceptual, the historical, and the epistemological framework), one has to take into account some basic knowledge in the context of psychology and the cognitive sciences (for the general and contextual aspects of learning) and some basic knowledge in education and comunication (for what concerns teaching skills and strategies). Looking back at the historical development of the research one may recognize that the complexity of the endeavour was not clear at first but became clear in its development, which shifted the focus of the research in the course of time from physics to learning to teaching. We may say that the research started, more than 30 years ago, with a focus on disciplinary knowledge. Physicists in different parts of the western world, after research work in some field of physics, decided to concentrate on the didactical comunication of physical knowledge.

Thinking Physics is Gedanken Physics

Thinking Physics This Way

The book gives an account of the inspirations that initiated the enquiry into the physical world and its evolution as a discipline. Simultaneously, it motivates the reader to step ahead with a little dismay to undertake a journey in the astonishing world of physics. It starts with the observation of nature and posits the questions which kept perplexing the mind of great physicists of our time. In finding answers, it verily explores the relationship of the observer with the object. And while so doing it catapults the readers into the bizarre world of natural laws, equations, hypothesis, and theorems. The presentation reserves its difference unlike books published these days in the treatment of the subject without involving mathematics or without making tall claims of seeking wishful comparison between science and religion. On the other hand, it paves way to a systematic shift from traditional approach to newer and broader similarities between physical and the mental realities. This effort gleans out a humane paradigm from where we see our known world in new light. Therefore, it asks for a limpid mind to welcome one into the world of physics. This book presents physics not only as technology booster but also as life builder.