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LITERATURE REVIEW
The Use of Multiple Representations in Undergraduate Physics Education: What Do we Know and Where Do we Go from Here?
1
Institute for Science Education and Communication, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, NETHERLANDS
2
Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Malang, Jl. Semarang No.5 Malang, 65145, INDONESIA
Publication date: 2021-01-16
EURASIA J. Math., Sci Tech. Ed 2021;17(1):em1934
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
Using multiple representations (MR) such as graphs, symbols, diagrams, and text, is central to
teaching and learning in physics classrooms. While different studies have provided evidence of
the positive impact of the use of MR on physics learning, a comprehensive overview of existing
literature on the use of MR in physics education, especially at the undergraduate level, is missing.
This manuscript addresses this gap in the literature by reporting on the outcomes of a systematic
review study that aimed to provide an overview of the existing knowledge base, to identify gaps
in the knowledge base, and to propose future research about the use of MR in the context of
undergraduate physics education. For the purpose of this study, we reviewed 24 empirical studies
published between 2002 and 2019 in scientific, peer-reviewed journals in the context of
undergraduate physics education. The outcomes of this review study are discussed under these
themes (a) In what ways does the use of MR in instruction support student learning? (b) What
kinds of representations do students use? (c) What difficulties do students face in using MR? (d)
What is the relation between students’ use of MR and students’ problem-solving skills? and, (e)
What is the added value of technology integration in teaching with MR? We identify gaps in the
existing knowledge base, and we propose future research directions in these three areas: (a)
Exploring the use of MR in university physics textbooks; (b) Blending of different kinds of MR; and,
(c) The use of virtual reality applications.
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