Modern physics and students’ conceptions

Abstract

The learning of modern physics is made more difficult for students because teaching often uses semi‐classical models (e.g. Bohr) and concepts (e.g. dualism). An introduction to quantum physics was designed which omits all analogies to classical physics. In the evaluation of the teaching unit, students' conceptions were recorded both at the beginning and the end of the teaching. Students in the test groups dispensed with visualized conceptions and reached an understanding which is more suitable to modern physics.