Developing a learning path on electromagnetic waves for high school students

English

A learning path on electromagnetic waves was developed for high school students. The teaching proposal was elaborated according to two different versions, through Design-Based Research methods. Thus, it consisted of several preliminary steps: identification of the key ideas characterizing the classical theory of the electromagnetic field (and choice of the learning objectives), analysis of students’ learning difficulties (literature review), analysis of the main (Italian) school textbooks presenting electromagnetic waves. The teaching efficacy followed some experimentations in Italian schools, and it was carried out by taking into account the results of tutorials and questionnaires, according to different mixed methods (pre-test vs posttest, experimental group vs control group, etc.). Teaching implications will be discussed, together with limitations and possible further development of the research.