Effectiveness of Simulation in Teaching Geometrical Optics

Abstract

Simulation is an approach used in teaching to enhance students learning especially when the concept being taught is abstract and hands on activity is not possible. However, it serves its purpose only if it is effectively implemented in the real classroom situation. Using a mixed method approach, a study on the effectiveness of simulation in teaching Geometrical Optics in class IX physics was conducted in one of the schools of Bhutan. For the quantitative approach quasi-experimental design was employed involving 70 students (35 experimental, 35 control group) and two physics teachers. Five students from experimental group and two subject teachers were interviewed. The findings of the study revealed that students taught using the simulation approach performed better than those using the conventional method. The finding also revealed that the simulation approach enriched students’ attentiveness and self-exploration in learning physics. Some of the recommendations from the study included the need to provide professional training on simulation to teachers, and make adequate ICT facilities available in the schools to support learning through simulation. The study also recommends future researchers to replicate this study in other subjects to find the effectiveness of the approach.