Developing a Computer Based Laboratory/Discussion Facility for General Physics

传统的本科物理课程因在学习和理解方面效果不佳而受到批评。传统教学法培养的学生学习的特点是记忆词汇和解决问题的算法，而不是持久的概念理解和更高层次的问题解决能力、批判性思维和科学探究技能。该项目的目标是通过开发一个实验室/讨论设施来重组普通物理课程的第一学期，该设施提供了一个积极的学习环境，使用技术来促进学生的综合实验室/计算机模拟体验，并激发学生的建设性话语。本课程的成功重组和实验室设施的发展将为课程第二学期的变化奠定基础，并作为所有低级别实验室的典范。主动学习方法与基于微机的实验室（MBLs）相结合，以提高学生的学习和长期记忆和概念理解。除了采用MBL教学的最佳实践外，该设施还使我们能够在“工作室”或讨论/实验室环境中无缝集成数据采集和分析，模拟，计算机辅助学生话语，在线测试和课堂管理。这项技术还将使我们能够利用越来越多的基于网络的教学材料。

Traditional undergraduate Physics courses have been criticized for producing poor results in learning and understanding. Traditional pedagogy produces student learning characterized by memorization of vocabulary and problem solving algorithms rather than long-lasting conceptual understanding and higher order problem solving, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry skills. The goal of this project is to restructure the first semester of the general physics course by developing a laboratory/discussion facility that provides an active learning environment using technology to both facilitate integrated laboratory/computer simulation experiences for students and motivate constructive student discourse. Successful restructuring of this course and development of this lab facility will lay the foundation for change in the second semester of the course and serve as a model for all lower-division labs. Active learning methods combined with microcomputer-based laboratories (MBLs) are used to improve student learning and long term retention and conceptual understanding. In addition to adopting the best practice in MBL instruction, the facility enables us to seamlessly integrate data acquisition and analysis, simulations, computer-facilitated student discourse, on-line testing, and classroom management in a "studio" or discussion/lab setting. The technology will also allow us to utilize the growing availability of Web-based instructional materials.