The influence of an historically oriented course on students' content knowledge in optics evaluated by means of facets-schemes analysis

We report on an experimental course in geometrical optics which heavily incorporates historical models accounting for light, vision, optical images, and others. The design and contents of the course were guided by previously elicited knowledge of high school students regarding optical phenomena. We utilized the course in a year-long experiment. The content knowledge of students expressed in a facets-scheme structure was compared with the same under regular instruction. We made qualitative and quantitative assessments based upon facets-scheme frequencies. Clear differences found in students' conceptual knowledge may support the adopted rationale and teaching approach: using appropriately selected historical materials that address knowledge issues relevant for the students can significantly promote meaningful learning of the subject matter.