Two Content Pathways in Presenting Electromagnetism in Introductory Algebra-Based Physics Textbooks

Vector cross products play a fundamental role in determining the directions of electromagnetism in introductory physics courses. After examining thirteen introductory algebra-based physics textbooks, we found authors adopt the following two content pathways in presenting the electromagnetic phenomena: Over 90% of the textbooks follow pathway one which presents only algebraic formulas and mnemonic techniques for right- and left-hand rules. Scarcely few follow pathway two, which presents vector cross products as a mathematical model and reinforces this model by presenting the specific cross product formula for each electromagnetic phenomenon. Physics instructors teaching college physics courses similarly present electromagnetism using these two content pathways. In light of Bloom’s taxonomy of educational objectives and constructivist learning theory, we recommend the second pathway.