Consideration of and Proposal for Conditions to Encourage Students to Have Transfer of Learning between Science and Mathematics : A Case Study of Drawing Figures of the Reflection of Light and the Shortest Distance

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the connection of science and mathematics by inspecting the possibility of transfer of strategies to draw figures. The results of this investigation revealed the following points: 1) The conditions which encourage students to have transfer of learning were "notice" and "interdisciplinary attitude". 2) Intentional instruction putting emphasis on commonalities of both subjects was effective in encouraging transfer of learning and solving problems in the other subject. 3) It is necessary to promote students to make use of knowledge acquired in other subjects even if they have failed to solve a problem in one subject.