Teaching electromagnetism: electrical transformers

Abstract

University students of basic Physics manifest difficulties when learning elementary concepts of alternating current and their relationships, particularly those related to electromagnetic induction phenomena. Trying to reverse this situation, we have designed and implemented a complementary didactic strategy on the subject, as a workshop, for a voluntary group of students. Theoretical aspects were reviewed with emphasis on real and virtual laboratory experiences, and problem solving. The answers to a problem to be developed on the topic “electrical transformers” provided by the attending students were compared with those given by other students who did not participate in the workshop. To establish the comparison, sample descriptive measures were analyzed and non-parametric tests were performed. The descriptive measures indicated in all the questions more correct answers from the students who attended the workshop, regarding those who did not. However, it is not possible, in general, to make population inferences regarding the difference in the responses of both groups.