Des difficultés en résolution de problèmes de physique : quelles aides pour les élèves ?

Abstract

Problem solving has an important role in learning and prior learning assessment in physics. It is considered nowadays as a necessary and unavoidable practice. Much research has shown that pupils find difficulties in solving physics problems in general, both at the phenomenological level and at the conceptual level. In order to assist students effectively obstacles must be located first. We believe it is helpful to have learners' views on "forms of aid" which they wish when in difficulty, in order to propose appropriate remediation. For this, we developed a questionnaire with several "forms of aid" which we consider relevant. We have conducted a survey through a questionnaire (paper and pencil) by soliciting a sample of students. The analysis and exploitation of results of the survey showed that pupils in difficulty wish much more the following aid: presentation of the courses’ synopsis and formulas, explanation of the physical phenomenon, presentation of a limited number of exercises with detailed solutions, use of ICT and presentation the phenomenon as a simulation, group work.