Pros
It's effective.
It is working universally (to some extend in some cases, in others more extensively)
It has been unchallenged.
I would say it leans more on the side of assessment than (instructive or student-centered, any) learning which is prime in educational theory
Cons
It is simplistic, primitive and not sophisticated.
This shows that it is narrow in scope. I hope one day I will substantiate this to publish an article in journal.
Pedagogically and learning theory speaking it is very weak (i.e. it addresses only one of Bloom's levels, application).
Physicists don't take advice from mainframe educational research.
They only value physics education research which downplays more results of generic research.
You learn any praxis by doing it. Praxis (doing) produces praxial knowledge that prepares one to meet future needs competently or to adopt praxis to new criteria of doing when previous knowledge is no longer effective, This is true, I think, of physics, history, music, sports, cooking, even love (i.e., loving), etc.
I think by utilizing many of the principles outlined in my research (Attention-Driven Design: How Instructional Designers Design to Capture the Learner's Attention) would balance out any cons related to the paradigm utilized by science. As it currently stands, the science learning paradigm of "learning physics by solving numerical problems and calculations in specific situations" has both pros and cons. Here are some potential advantages and disadvantages to consider:
Pros:
- Hands-on learning: Solving numerical problems can be a very practical way to learn physics. It allows students to apply the theories they've learned in a concrete way and gain a deeper understanding of the concepts.
- Critical thinking skills: Problem-solving requires students to analyze the situation, identify relevant information, and apply their knowledge to find a solution. These skills are transferable to many other areas of life and can help students develop critical thinking skills.
- Engagement: Many students find numerical problem-solving to be an engaging and challenging way to learn physics. It can be more interesting than simply reading about theories and concepts.
- Mastery: Solving numerical problems can give students a sense of mastery over the material. When they're able to successfully solve a problem, they feel more confident in their understanding of the concepts.
Cons:
- Focus on rote memorization: If the emphasis is solely on solving numerical problems, students may be encouraged to memorize formulas and methods rather than truly understand the underlying concepts.
- Limited creativity: Problem-solving typically involves applying a specific formula or method to a given situation. This may limit students' ability to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions.
- Difficulty with abstract concepts: Some students may struggle with abstract concepts and find it challenging to apply them to numerical problems. They may benefit more from visual aids or hands-on experiments.
- Narrow focus: While numerical problem-solving is an important aspect of learning physics, it's not the only one. Students may miss out on other important aspects of the subject, such as the history of physics or its social implications.
Overall, whether the pros outweigh the cons of the numerical problem-solving approach to learning physics will depend on the individual student and the context in which they're learning. It's important to consider a variety of teaching methods and approaches to ensure that all students can learn and thrive.
I believe that it is possible, because the fact of solving mathematical calculations promotes the development of thinking skills. Although another factor that contributes to a good learning of Physical Sciences, is mixing calculation with experimentation on a scale.
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