Learning with multiple representations: an example of a revision lesson in mechanics

We describe an example of learning with multiple representations in an A-level revisionlesson on mechanics. The context of the problem involved the motion of a ball thrownvertically upwards in air and studying how the associated physical quantities changedduring its flight. Different groups of students were assigned to look at the ball’s motionusing various representations: motion diagrams, vector diagrams, free-body diagrams,verbal description, equations and graphs, drawn against time as well as againstdisplacement. Overall, feedback from students about the lesson was positive. We furtherdiscuss the benefits of using computer simulation to support and extend student learning.