Precision Teaching of an Introductory Physics E & M Course for Engineers

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9455470 Thomas Precision Teaching of an Introductory Physics E & M Course for Engineers The program focusses on techniques for improving student performance in an introductory (Physics) Electricity and Magnetism course undertaken as a requirement by pre-Engineering majors. A computer based interactive program allows students to simulate their own homework problems and thereby be led through an effective routine for problem solving. Emphasis is on abstract concepts such as fields and potentials where the student has no basis of practical experience. The simulations are to be integrated into an existing Precision Teaching routine which is successful in improving student performance (and halving student attrition). Emphasis throughout is on quantitative assessment of outcomes and elimination of co-lateral variables. Development of the simulation is under-way. Support is sought for completion of the development, for integration into the Precision Teaching routine and for the assessment of performance change. The assessment program includes comparisons between test and control groups, implementation in courses covering 2,000 students per year and transfer to another institution. Faculty response will be monitored through surveys, student response assessed also through surveys and student performance measured through the standard techniques of tests and quizzes. The program will monitor performance of almost 6,000 students and track some of these through the full three years. Correlations will be sought with gender, minority status, performance before entering the class and with performance through the major courses.