Why complexity is important for learning

Abstract

Symposium Chair: Olivia Levrini, University of Bologna Participants: Music, Math, and Time: Paradoxes and Affinities. Jeanne Bamberger, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Managing Perceptual and Conceptual Complexity Through the Use of Computational Representations. Orit Parnafes, University of California-Berkeley Embracing Complexity: A Necessary Path to Learning Modern Physics. Olivia Levrini, University of Bologna Managing the Profile of Complexity in Learning Physics. Andrea A. diSessa, University of California-Berkeley Discussant: David Hammer, University of Maryland Abstract. A shared assumption in physics education is that learning physics is complex. But two extremes are easy to recognize as ways of looking at and facing the complexity of physics learning. On one hand, complexity is considered a huge demotivational factor that, consequently, must be reduced as much as possible. On the other hand, complexity is considered as a feature of thinking and is not to be removed but rather organized in order to make it manageable by cognitive, emotional, rational tools. The four contributions of the symposium share the general assumption that complexity is important for learning. Each will provide interpretations of what is meant by complexity and what learning tools students should have for managing multi-faceted situations. Chair: Olivia Levrini, University of Bologna Participants: Music, Math, and Time: Paradoxes and Affinities. Jeanne Bamberger, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Managing Perceptual and Conceptual Complexity Through the Use of Computational Representations. Orit Parnafes, University of California-Berkeley Embracing Complexity: A Necessary Path to Learning Modern Physics. Olivia Levrini, University of Bologna Managing the Profile of Complexity in Learning Physics. Andrea A. diSessa, University of California-Berkeley Discussant: David Hammer, University of Marylan