Mindanao State University in Tawi-Tawi students' epistemologies and perceptions about knowing and learning introductory physics

• Main Author: Tejano, Capistrano Pasco, Jr.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 1999
• Subjects: College students; Physics; Mindanao State University > Students; Learning; Knowledge, Theory of; Perception
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_doctoral/844
• Institution: De La Salle University

This study documents and interprets the epistemological beliefs of students by employing short answer response, written essays, interviews and inquiry-oriented activities.This study uses an interpretive research design based on the principles of a constructivist's naturalistic inquiry and a number of procedures to ensure confirmability. The subjects are students of the Mindanao State University in Tawi-Tawi.The findings reveal that generally students are found to have a consistent naive realist's perception of the nature of scientific knowledge which is commensurable with an objectivist principle. Their views about physics knowledge are characteristic of the rote method in the acquisition of knowledge. Most of the students consider physics knowledge as pieces of information that are systematically transmitted from textbooks or teachers. To them, the best way to learn physics is through rote memorization of facts and formulas.The findings revealed in Gilbert's 5 statements about science and scientists and in Ryan and Aikenhead's Views on Science, Technology, Society (VOSTS) are almost parallel with the views expressed by the participants in an open-ended essays. Generally, the beliefs and perceptions of the participants about the nature of scientific knowledge and of knowing and learning physics converge toward the perspective built on the concept of objectivist epistemology .