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Re: conceptual software

You ignored the requirements of this teacher for inquiry to be worthwhile. John
requires a SKILLED inquiry teacher. I think many try inquiry approaches, but
because the practicer is not skilled in this approach, the method gets the bad name
and not the practicer. Also, this is not unlike any other skill you want students
to aquire. It takes time to learn and perfect new skills. Exactly when did you
really understand freshman physics? I know it wasn't when I was taking the course!
It takes time for students to learn how to learn by inquiry.

Enjoy the day.

Sam


Daniel L. MacIsaac wrote:

Conceptual Software
The richest conceptual software is the Microcomputer Based Laboratory
software which allows students to study and record the behavior of physical
systems, and to transform this into personal understanding under the
tutelage of the skilled inquiry teacher. Unfortunately the second element
in not available via the computer.

****************************************************
John Layman (301) 405-6179 (Physics)
Physics Department (301) 405-3166 (STC)
University of Maryland (301) 474-1953 (Home)
College Park, MD 20742
jl15@umail.umd.edu

...but I thought that INQUIERY was something evil and malevolent. Said so
right here on PHYS-L last month.

Just couldn't resist any longer. Won't do it again this year :^)

Merry Christmas,

Dan M

Dan MacIsaac, Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy, Northern AZ Univ
danmac@nau.edu http://www.phy.nau.edu/~danmac PHYS-L list owner



--
Sam Sampere
Syracuse University
Department of Physics
Syracuse, NY 13244
315-443-5999