Wittmann published in ICLS conference proceedings

A copy of Michael Wittmann’s peer-reviewed ICLS conference proceedings paper has been posted online at arxiv.org.

Using conceptual blending to describe emergent meaning in wave propagation
Michael C. Wittmann
arxiv.org

Students in interviews on a wave physics topic give answers through embodied actions which connect their understanding of the physics to other common experiences. When answering a question about wavepulses propagating along a long taut spring, students’ gestures help them recruit information about balls thrown the air. I analyze gestural, perceptual, and verbal information gathered using videotaped interviews and classroom interactions. I use conceptual blending to describe how different elements combine to create new, emergent meaning for the students and compare this to a knowledge-in-pieces approach.