Workshops2012June 22-24, 2012 Chautauqua Short Course Research-Based Active Learning in Introductory Physics Priscilla Laws, Dickinson College This hands-on course is designed for those interested in making learning in their introductory course more active either within a traditional course structure (lectures, labs, and recitation hours), or by re-structuring their course (e.g., into a workshop or studio course). Participants will be introduced to physics education research-validated strategies for each component of the introductory course such as Interactive Lecture Demonstration (ILDs), RealTime Physics (RTP) labs, Activity Based Tutorials, Collaborative Problem-Solving Tutorials, Workshop Physics along with strategies for analytic mathematical modeling. Some recent developments include the new electricity and magnetism labs in the 3rd Ed. of RTP, ILDs using personal response systems (clickers), and interactive video analysis. The tools and software accompanying these active learning strategies are available for both Macintosh and Windows computers. Results of studies on the effectiveness of these curricula will also be discussed. Participants will receive complimentary copies of the active learning curricula, along with Teaching Physics with the Physics Suite, a comprehensive book by E.F. Redish (University of Maryland) on strategies for implementing physics education research-based curricula. (The curricula are also available in a more convenient form for high school use on the Activity-Based High School CD.) Physics topics will be chosen from both semesters of the introductory physics course. For more information, click here. |