Obstacles to Reasoning about Inertia in Different Contexts

Sevda Yerdelen Damar

Sevda Yerdelen Damar Yuzuncu Yil University

Abstract

Abstract
The present study investigated the underlying reasons for difficulties faced by students when they applied the
concept of inertia across varying contexts. The participants of the study included five high school students. Data
obtained from interviews were interpreted from the perspectives of the coordination class and epistemological
framing theories. Analysis indicated that students demonstrated different reasoning patterns across the varying
situations. Students’ performances were influenced by their epistemological framings about problem solving and
previous experiences related to learning physics. Students also revealed a lack of metacognitive awareness about
their reasoning in related situations. The results also demonstrated that learning inertia is not a simple task as
assumed. The study provides methodological and instructional implications for assessing and teaching inertia.

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