Learning physics with a computer algebra system

To become proficient problem-solvers, physics students need to form a coher ent and flexible understanding of problem situations with which they are co nfronted. Still, many students have only a limited representation of the pr oblems on which they are working. Therefore, an instructional approach was devised to promote students' understanding of these problems and to support them in forming associations between problem features and solution methods . The approach was based on using the computer algebra software Mathematica as a tool for problem solving and visualisation. An electrostatics course module was implemented based on this instructional approach, and this modul e was compared with a usual paper-and-pencil based one. Learning outcomes : For both courses were not significantly different. The experimental course was found to impose a high cognitive load on the students. Based on the out comes, proposals are made for ways in which the course could be improved.