dorsal/arxiv
View SchemaCultural differences in answering physics questions: Could they arise from the difference between reasoning expected in answering exam questions in those cultures?
| Authors | Cristian Raduta, Gordon Aubrecht |
|---|---|
| Categories | |
| ArXiv ID | physics/0503124 |
| URL | https://arxiv.org/abs/physics/0503124 |
Abstract
In many ways, the American learning system is unique in its reliance on testing using multiple-choice questions. Learning in physics, as well as in any other subject, is a context-dependent process. In this paper, I consider a broader problem of where differences in understanding arise; often styles of answering questions arise from the way the questions are posed. I speculate on the long-run effects a multiple-choice based learning system might have on the reasoning structure of the student compared to one based on more open-ended questions. I present some differences in answer styles observed between two populations of students, US students (mostly exposed to multiple-choice type exams), and Romanian students (mostly exposed to open-end type exams). Finally, I suggest some possible ways of checking whether my predictions have any validity.
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"abstract": "In many ways, the American learning system is unique in its reliance on\ntesting using multiple-choice questions. Learning in physics, as well as in any\nother subject, is a context-dependent process. In this paper, I consider a\nbroader problem of where differences in understanding arise; often styles of\nanswering questions arise from the way the questions are posed. I speculate on\nthe long-run effects a multiple-choice based learning system might have on the\nreasoning structure of the student compared to one based on more open-ended\nquestions. I present some differences in answer styles observed between two\npopulations of students, US students (mostly exposed to multiple-choice type\nexams), and Romanian students (mostly exposed to open-end type exams). Finally,\nI suggest some possible ways of checking whether my predictions have any\nvalidity.",
"arxiv_id": "physics/0503124",
"authors": [
"Cristian Raduta",
"Gordon Aubrecht"
],
"categories": [
"physics.ed-ph",
"physics.class-ph"
],
"title": "Cultural differences in answering physics questions: Could they arise from the difference between reasoning expected in answering exam questions in those cultures?",
"url": "https://arxiv.org/abs/physics/0503124"
},
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