A Study of Science Learners’ Misconceptions—Analyses and Recoveries for Misconceptions depending on Simulations by “Prolog”—

Abstract

Many cases of learners’ misconceptions after finishing their learning activities have been reported and also their recovery methods are shown in each case. These reports, however, are not sufficient for making general approaches to misconceptions, because they treat each case in symptomatic ways one by one.

In the present study, the authors aim to develop a general method for analyzing and recovering misconceptions. As a first step of the study, simulations of learners’ misconceptions by “Prolog” are carried out in order to identify their causes and to improve recovery methods.

The results of this study confirm that recovery methods depend on suggestions obtained from the present simulations show their significance and the methodological appropriateness of the present study.