Teaching Optics Using the Geometrical Optics Approach: A Case Study for a Consideration of Improving the Teaching Method

Abstract

In teaching optics using the geometrical optics approach, the so-called ray model is introduced. In this study, the author posed students a survey question that reflected the challenges of the teaching method of optics based on the ray model in the Japanese educational scene, and their responses were analyzed. As a result, a large number of incorrect answers indicating the negative effects of the teaching method were found. From this result, significant suggestions for a consideration of improving the teaching method were derived as follows: 1) it would be preferable to set the object that stands upright on an axis parallel to the optical axis and away from the optical axis, 2) it would be desirable to instruct students to draw light rays from at least two points, one being the tip and the other the end of the object.