Teaching divergence and curl in an Electromagnetic Field course

摘要

Based on our experiences in teaching an Electromagnetic Field course, we present a research-based teaching method designed for the concepts of divergence and curl, which are important for the course. Comparing the two concepts which have different definitions and expressions, we guide students to 'seek the difference in the similarity' so that they can understand the physical meaning more clearly. Furthermore, with the idea of 'surface-point-volume' and 'line-point-surface' transformation, students can understand the Gauss' law and Stokes formula more easily. It is proved that the method achieved good practical results.