Grid Method Approach in Teaching Basic Vector Concepts for Fundamental Physics

Abstract

Fundamental physics used a lot of basic vector concepts. Topics such as projectile motion, forces, momentum, static equilibrium and impulse require students to understand well the basic vector concepts. Many students have difficulty in understanding physics ideas and concepts because they could not grasp the vector concepts well. In this research, the grid method was introduced in teaching the vector concepts. Instructors would start with lecture on vectors and proceed with some exercises. The exercise requires the students to get the answer using a grid paper facilitated by the instructors. A seven item quiz was applied as pre-post test in order to evaluate the effectiveness of this method compared to the normal method. Two sets of data were analysed using paired sample t-test. The first set of data comes from the experimental group which uses the new method and the second set of data comes from the control group which apply normal method in introducing the vectors. When comparing the mean scores, 5.74 mean score is for the experimental group while the control group scored a mean of 4.11. The gain score for the experimental was 0.7 while for the control group was 0.3. The post test for experimental correct responses is higher compared to the control group after the grid method was introduced. This shows that the learning gain is higher and students grasp the concepts well and improve their understanding on basic vector concepts when mean score for students in experimental group is 5.25 while control group 4.43 from the final examination results that involve vector concept.