Psychological and pedagogical foundations for a computer-based learning environment with a language-deficient domain

In a language-deficient domain such as buoyancy, students generally find it difficult to explain phenomena that daily saturate their lives such as sinking and floating. To address this problem, we propose a simple and object-related articulation and reflection tool which is embedded in the BSL System (B stands for body while S and L are for string and liquid respectively). An analysis of the findings reveals that generally, the use of the tool decreased with respect to time. Evidence also shows that contents in the tool is either adapted or misused. Finally, evidence suggests positive changes in students´ conceptual knowledge of B and S but not L.