Research On IT-based Physics Problem-solving Instruction

Physics problem-solving instruction is a basic component in physics instruction. But, on the literal meaning, it is usually equal to physics question-solving instruction, especially to the well-structured problem-solving instruction. In practice, physics question-solving instruction is very important which is emphasized, and great achievement has obtained in China. But the abuse is also obvious. So, it is very important to understand physics problem-solving instruction correctly and to seek a sort of equilibrium between the well-structured problem and the ill-structured problem.There are many researches on the concept and the mechanism of problem-solving, such as behavioral psychology, Gestalt psychology and cognitive psychology. And the researches provide some use for reference to discuss physics problem-solving. Physics problem-solving is a series of activity of cognitive processes when someone deals with a context of physics problem. It includes physics problem identification and definition, strategy preference and application, physics problem representation, resource allocation, monitoring and evaluation. And every phase is significant to the process of physics problem-solving.Compared with cognitivism, constructivism pays more attention to problem-solving instruction. Constructivists point out knowledge is not beyond the individual, but constructed on one's own experiences. Based on their opinions, they put forward some instruction models, such as cognitive apprenticeship. The cognitive apprenticeship derives advantages from traditional apprenticeship, and it focuses on the learning's contextuality and sociality. Its function in physics problem-solving instruction has been appeared after the successful application of "Minnesota Model for Large Introductory Courses". So, constructivism provides anew research angle to explore physics problem-solving instruction.However, constructivism only point out a research direction to study physics problem-solving instruction. In order to realize its ideas, there exit ome difficulties to conquer urgently, including how to create an ingeniously-made learning situation, how to provide some essential help in the process of physics problem-solving and etc. Probably, information technology is an ideal tool.Physic problem-solving is a very complicated activity of cognitive process, in which learners will encounter a period of "wandering in the dark". So, it is very important to adjust and control their cognition and emotion to cause physics problem solve better, and then deepen physics problem-solving instruction IT, as a tool to construct a learning environment to help learners walk out this hard period in physics problem-solving, can utilize its unique function."CAS integration physics problem-solving instruction" is a typical case for IT-based physics problem-solving instruction. In its experiment, great function of IT integration physics problem-solving instruction has been appeared, and also some problems have been exposed.