Learning about wave propagation on a string within the wave motion unit.

Abstract

The present article develops the topic waves on a string, with the objective of evaluating the learning level of the students of I year of Physics-Mathematics of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua, Managua (UNAN-Managua), Centro Universitario Regional Estelí (CUR-Estelí) in the first semester of 2025. It is important to carry out this research because, although the content of “waves on a string” is included in the educational plan of the students of I year of Physics-Mathematics, the way in which this topic is taught is not always effective, so that the students understand it correctly. The problem of this study stems from the obstacles faced by students when acquiring definitions related to wave phenomena; this is especially due to the use of traditional methodologies that limit the practical and experimental understanding of the subject. A quantitative approach with non-experimental-transectional design was used, instruments such as questionnaires and knowledge tests were applied to a sample of 20 university students, selected through simple random probability sampling. The research is justified because, currently, the learning of these contents seems to be mainly focused on theoretical aspects, without putting into practice experimentation and other methodologies that help to improve understanding.