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written by
Karen Wosilait, Paula R. L. Heron, Peter S. Shaffer, and Lillian C. McDermott
This article illustrates the use of research as a basis for the development of curriculum on physical optics. Evidence is presented that university students who have studied physics at the introductory level and beyond often do not have a functional understanding of the wave model for light. Identification and analysis of student difficulties guided the design of a set of tutorials to supplement instruction in a standard calculus-based or algebra-based course. Ongoing assessment was an integral part of the curriculum development process. The instructional materials that resulted have proved to be effective at helping students construct and apply a basic wave model for light.
<a href="https://www.compadre.org/quantum/items/detail.cfm?ID=3042">Wosilait, K, P. Heron, P. Shaffer, and L. McDermott. "Addressing student difficulties in applying a wave model to the interference and diffraction of light." Am. J. Phys. 67, no. S1, (July 1, 1999): S5-S15.</a>
K. Wosilait, P. Heron, P. Shaffer, and L. McDermott, Addressing student difficulties in applying a wave model to the interference and diffraction of light, Am. J. Phys. 67 (S1), S5 (1999), <https://doi.org/10.1119/1.19083>.
Wosilait, K., Heron, P., Shaffer, P., & McDermott, L. (1999, July 1). Addressing student difficulties in applying a wave model to the interference and diffraction of light. Am. J. Phys., 67(S1), S5-S15. Retrieved July 18, 2026, from https://doi.org/10.1119/1.19083
Wosilait, K, P. Heron, P. Shaffer, and L. McDermott. "Addressing student difficulties in applying a wave model to the interference and diffraction of light." Am. J. Phys. 67, no. S1, (July 1, 1999): S5-S15, https://doi.org/10.1119/1.19083 (accessed 18 July 2026).
Wosilait, Karen, Paula R. L. Heron, Peter Shaffer, and Lillian C. McDermott. "Addressing student difficulties in applying a wave model to the interference and diffraction of light." Am. J. Phys. 67.S1 (1999): S5-S15. 18 July 2026 <https://doi.org/10.1119/1.19083>.
@article{
Author = "Karen Wosilait and Paula R. L. Heron and Peter Shaffer and Lillian C. McDermott",
Title = {Addressing student difficulties in applying a wave model to the interference and diffraction of light},
Journal = {Am. J. Phys.},
Volume = {67},
Number = {S1},
Pages = {S5-S15},
Month = {July},
Year = {1999}
}
%A Karen Wosilait %A Paula R. L. Heron %A Peter Shaffer %A Lillian C. McDermott %T Addressing student difficulties in applying a wave model to the interference and diffraction of light %J Am. J. Phys. %V 67 %N S1 %D July 1, 1999 %P S5-S15 %U https://doi.org/10.1119/1.19083 %O text/html
%0 Journal Article %A Wosilait, Karen %A Heron, Paula R. L. %A Shaffer, Peter %A McDermott, Lillian C. %D July 1, 1999 %T Addressing student difficulties in applying a wave model to the interference and diffraction of light %J Am. J. Phys. %V 67 %N S1 %P S5-S15 %8 July 1, 1999 %U https://doi.org/10.1119/1.19083
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