Using the Repertory Grid to Probe Students’ Ideas about Energy

Abstract

This paper demonstrates how repertory grid technique was used to elicit students’ ideas about energy. Constructs were elicited from a sample of 55 Western Australian Year 9 secondary students. The constructs elicited from three students, selected at random, were used as a basis for interview. The two techniques (repertory grid and interview) provided rich detail about how the students viewed the general concept of energy. The technique is explained and is suitable for use by practising teachers. Examples of three selected students’ constructs are provided as well as a principal components diagram of their constructs and elements. This paper takes the position that all students have a unique view of energy and that the concept of an average student needs revision. The assumption that students have common ideas is also brought into question. A call is made for the development of a learning approach which is based on the unique views of students.