Physics 482/582 Spring, 2012
Physics Pedagogy
Stan Jones
106 Gallalee Hall
348-3785
Office hours: TR 11 am-12 pm, or whenever my door is open.
Text: Selected readings from the literature.
General Course Description: This is a course in teaching methodologies for introductory physics, based on recent results from physics education research.
Course Objectives: After completing this course, students should have an understanding of the concept of active engagement, of collaborative learning, and student misconceptions. They should understand the advantages of active engagement as opposed to lecturing. They should know how to ask leading questions to help students arrive at their own conclusions.
Tentative List of Topics
Jan. 13: Overview (NPR article)
Jan 20: Cognitive Science (Redish)
Jan. 27: Concept
surveys (Hestenes et al.)
Feb. 3: discussion of FCI and CSEM (no
reading)
Feb.
10: Active Engagement (Hake)
Feb. 17:
Misconceptions (Otero and Nathan)
Feb. 24: Open and closed questions (Gray and Otero)
Mar 2: Cooperative Learning (Johnson…)
Mar 9: Group presentations on active learning
Mar 23: Group presentations
Mar 30: The role of labs in introductory courses (Reif)
Apr 6: Problem solving
Apr 13: Physics Education Research (PER-1)
Apr 20: The role of technology in the introductory
class
Apr 27: Applications of active engagement in PH and
AY 10x.
Assignments and Grading: You are expected to read all assignments prior to class and come ready to discuss them. Specific assignments that will be graded are:
1. You are to write a one-page reaction paper for each reading and bring it to class Friday.
2. You will work in groups to prepare a short presentation on a particular teaching technique supported by the literature. You will be able to choose your topic from a list I’ll give you. Here is a more complete description of the presentations.
3. Your final project will be to prepare a lesson on some intro topic of interest to you, incorporating some of the elements of active learning that we have discussed in class.
Readings: A list of readings can be found here.
Attendance Policy: Class discussion will be a major part of your grade. Therefore, attendance is expected.
Makeup Policy: Talk to me if illness or other contingency requires that an assignment be missed or turned in late.
Academic Misconduct Policy: Students are encouraged to work
together on homework and general studying for this course.