Universal Journal of Educational Research Vol. 3(10), pp. 727 - 734
DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2015.031011
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How to Motivate our Students to Study Physics?

Renata Holubova ^*
Department of Experimental Physics, Science Faculty, Palacky University, Czech Republic

ABSTRACT

The main issue of this paper is the discussion around the question "How can we teach and motivate the why-generation learners and the generation Z learners?". The aim of our project was to find out teaching and learning methods that teachers and learners can use in 21st century classroom. Strategies how to engage gen Y and gen Z learners in the learning process should be found. During our research various methods were used: problem based learning, project based learning, team work, inquiry based learning, interdisciplinary approach, experiments – from very simple and low cost experiments to computer based experiments and remote laboratories. It was found out, that generation Y so as gen Z learners can be motivated by various instructional methods based on their own activity. Their own doing seemed to be more important for them than learning itself. It is necessary to use educational materials including charts, graphic presentations, cartoons. Also it was found out that a very useful tool for our students can be the mind mapping. Mind maps and concept maps are not common during students instruction at secondary and high schools in the Czech republic. We prepared a set of concept maps on the basis of high school physics textbooks, from mechanics, molecular physics, via electricity and magnetism to optics, and nuclear physics. In this paper the outcomes of our project will be presented so as some examples of interdisciplinary modules that have been prepared – "real-world" physics modules with everyday life problems that can be integrated into the high school curriculum physics (physics in the kitchen, crime scene investigation, environmental physics), non-traditional experiments, properties of non-Newtonian liquids (experiments with dilatant fluids, oobleck, the suspension of starch, the Weissenberg effect, Barus effect, the Kaye effect), modern physics – nanotechnology (cooperation with the Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials - a faculty establishment) . The findings of this project are incorporated into the subject "Didactics of Physics" in the undergraduate physics teacher study programme at the Faculty of Science.

KEYWORDS
Millennials, Teaching Methods, Concept Maps, Motivation, Interdisciplinary Relations

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Renata Holubova , "How to Motivate our Students to Study Physics?," Universal Journal of Educational Research, Vol. 3, No. 10, pp. 727 - 734, 2015. DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2015.031011.

(b). APA Format:
Renata Holubova (2015). How to Motivate our Students to Study Physics?. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 3(10), 727 - 734. DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2015.031011.