An Integrated Multi-Level Twenty-first Century Physics Learning System

问题摘要：课堂教学在帮助学生在解决复杂问题、协作和交流方面获得概念知识和现实世界技能方面效果不佳。这一问题不仅存在于物理专业的入门课程，也存在于物理专业的高级课程中。目标：在入门和大二阶段实施以小组为基础的主动学习教学系统。方法：使用积极的小组学习形式，我们将建立一个概念基础，导致解决具有有趣背景的复杂问题。教学内容包括：交互式计算机模拟问题和问题；计算机可视化、建模和问题解决；以及概念性和更复杂的实验问题。特殊受众：工科学生、物理专业本科生，以及物理学中代表性不足的群体，包括女性和国内少数族裔。合作：通过参与工程学院的重组计划，工程、数学和化学方面的教员。意义/影响：该项目将制定一种教学方法，并配有教材和教材，其全面实施将导致对学生一年级和二年级的物理、化学和工程学教学进行重大修改。通过参与工程学入门课程的改革，教学方法将传播到物理以外的领域。在全国范围内传播这些材料将有助于在全国范围内促进积极学习。传统上在物理学中代表性不足的群体的毕业率将会提高，而不会在学习上做出牺牲。实现这些目标和影响的手段在整个提案中有更详细的描述。

Abstract The Problem: The ineffectiveness of lecture instruction in helping students acquire conceptual knowledge and real world skills in complex problem solving, collaboration, and communication. This problem exists at the introductory level as well as in the upper level courses for physics majors. Objectives: Implement group-based active learning instructional systems at the introductory, and sophomore levels. Methods: Using an active group learning format, we will build a conceptual foundation leading to the solution of complex problems with interesting context. The instruction will involve tools such as: interactive computer simulation questions and problems; computer visualization, modeling and problem solving; and conceptual and more complex experiment problems. Special audiences: Engineering students, undergraduate physics majors, and underrepresented groups in physics, including women and domestic minorities. Collaborations: Through participation in a restructuring program in the College of Engineering, faculty in engineering, math and chemistry. Significance/impact: The project will develop a teaching approach, complete with teaching kits and materials, whose full implementation will result in a major modification of first and second-year instruction for students in physics, chemistry and engineering. Through participation in restructuring in the introductory engineering curriculum, the pedagogy will be disseminated beyond physics. Dissemination of the materials nationally will help promote active learning nationally. Completion rates for groups traditionally underrepresented in physics will improve with no sacrifice in learning. The means for achieving these goals and impacts are described in greater detail in the full proposal.