Research

Idris Malik’s Research

Conceptions of “Math”, “Physics”, and “Math in Physics”, Epistemic Messaging, Meta-representational Competence in Math and Physics Contexts, Student Agency and Choice in Online Learning

Investigating “Math” and “Physics” Conceptions in a Calculus-based Intro-Physics Classroom

I am currently exploring Physics Education Research literature, with emphasis on work regarding the boundary of Math and Physics. One of my current projects involves taking field notes during classroom Observations of a Calculus‑Based Intro Physics course. I designed an Interview Protocol and conducting student interviews about perceptions of Math in a Physics classroom, to see how student thinking and beliefs align or do not align with emergent themes from classroom observations.

Speaking

Presentation at the 2024 Winter AAPT Meeting

Poster at the 2024 Winter AAPT Meeting

Poster at the X-DBER 2023 Virtual Conference

Presentation at the 2023 Summer AAPT Meeting

Poster at the 2023 Summer AAPT Meeting

Presentation at the 2023 RUME Conference in
Omaha, Nebraska

Meta-representational COmpetence in math and physics contexts

I have has worked with Dr. Warren Christensen on a research project involving Meta-representational Competence (MRC) in Math and Physics Contexts since June of 2022. I used the MRC theoretical framework to design a Semi-Structured Interview to investigate what students think regarding their use, selection, and familiarity with Matrix Notation, Spinor Notation, and Dirac Notation when doing Quantum Mechanics Spin Change of Basis Problems. See the link under “Writing” to see the RUME conference submission paper and presentation. Or, scroll to the bottom of the page!

Student Agency and Choice in Online learning

I have worked with Dr. Andrew Heckler on a research project using the Choice the Essential Skills Learning Platform in Ohio State Physics Classes since February of 2021. My study is on students’ agency and choice in learning. Specifically: what factors lead to student choosing what content topics they want to practice, and how does this match up with different performance and demographic factors?

This research project is mainly Quantitative. I have cleaned, processed, and analyzed data in Jupyter Notebooks using Python, and I have performed Linear regressions, Logistic Regressions, and Multilevel Models in R using RStudio.

Writing

Preliminary Paper: “Investigating Student Use of Representation in Quantum Mechanics Change of Basis Problems”