An accessible, justifiable and transferable pedagogical approach for the differential equations of simple harmonic motion

ABSTRACT

Recently, Gauthier introduced a method to construct solutions to the equations of motion associated with oscillating systems into the mathematics education research literature. In particular, Gauthier's approach involved certain manipulations of the differential equations; and drew on the theory of complex variables.

Motivated by the work of Gauthier, we construct an alternative pedagogical approach for the learning and teaching of solution methods to these equations. The innovation lies in drawing on factorization techniques of differential equations and harmonizing them with Gauthier's approach of the theory of complex variables. When blended together to form a new approach, the significance lies in its accessibility, justifiability and transferrability to other problems.

We pedagogically ground our approach in the educational development theory of Piaget, with the results informing the learning and teaching of solution methods to differential equations for lecturers, teachers and learners within universities, colleges, polytechnics and schools around the world.

Keywords:

• Pedagogy
• differential equations
• simple harmonic motion
• Piaget
• factorization

AMS Classifications:

• 97D40
• 97I30
• 34A12

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

ORCID

Christopher C. Tisdell  http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3387-2505