CONSTRUCTIVIST TOOLS FOR THE STUDY OF THE SPECIAL THEORY OF RELATIVITY
CONSTRUCTIVIST TOOLS FOR THE STUDY OF THE SPECIAL THEORY OF RELATIVITY

Summary/Abstract: In the present work we describe some tools which support the constructivist approach to relativity theory. We depict the conceptual map to highlight the links between specific concepts of this theory and the thinking map to demonstrate important relationships, such as mass-energy equivalence relationship. The constructivist theory of learning motivates the fact that the new knowledge must be integrated in the already existing knowledge structure. The conceptual maps and the thinking maps encourage this process through the one who learns to pay attention to the existing relations between concepts. Presenting themselves as knowledge nets, they facilitate the understanding, knowledge and the simple applicability of the theoretical knowledge of the special theory of relativity. In teaching and learning it is widely assume that graphical knowledge representation tools such as conceptual maps and thinking maps help students to organize their knowledge around the most important concepts and principles of the subject content. These tools are based the Cognitive Information Processing model (CIP) of learning. The Cognitive Information Processing model addresses the following learning issues: visual channels, attention, elaboration, mental models, schema and metacognitive skills (including motivation). The Cognitive Information Processing theory is useful in helping teachers to understand how students interact with information. Consequently, application of this theory may equip teachers to guide students to unpack, retrieve, and make meaning from new information. In the mean time it is opportune to be used constructivist strategies during physics teaching together with informatics tools made for a better approach of special theory of relativity concepts.

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