The Comprehension of Images Created by Light Passing through a Convex Lens : The Importance of the Ability to Complete Construction

Abstract

The results of this investigation revealed the following points. It is necessary for students to attain a full fundamental knowledge of light in order to solve comprehensive problems on light. Students seem to believe that studying light is difficult, partly because the position and size of light change according to the position of an object, partly because they cannot understand how light advances, and partly because they must construct an image of the advance of light. There is a close correlation between the ability to solve comprehensive problems and the ability to complete this construction. It is very important to acquire the latter ability in solving these problems. Therefore, in order to give the students a deeper understanding of the image of the light, it is quite important to enhance their ability to think abstractly, in particular, to learn how to construct and manipulate a figure geometrically. This can be done by actively introducing such methods of construction into our lessons.