ANNOUNCEMENT: 3-WEEK MODELING WORKSHOP AT ASU next June
BACKGROUND (Here are excerpts from a report by David Hestenes, P.I.)
For the last five years, the Modeling Research Group at ASU has been
experimenting with reform of University Physics in a studio physics
classroom. The most unique feature of this reform is its grounding in a
Modeling Theory of Physics Instruction developed at ASU over the last two
decades. With the overall objective of increasing the coherence of student
understanding, the reform has developed along three main lines:
* Course content organized around models rather than topics.
* Systematic use of modeling tools to elucidate the models.
* Student activities and discourse structured around models and modeling.
The central thesis of Modeling Theory (applies to science generally):
* Scientists explore the physical world for reproducible patterns which
they represent by models and organize into theories according to laws.
* The content core of science is composed of models, laws and theories
* The procedural core of science concerns making and using models = modeling
Research themes:
* Explicate, analyze and classify models inherent in all branches of physics
* Analyze theories as systems of Laws (guidelines) for constructing models
* Study the use of representational tools in physics to ascertain optimal
designs for modeling tools
* Explicate and analyze cognitive aspects of modeling in science
Course development began with an Honors section of university physics,
because that guaranteed the class size needed for studio physics. Progress
was monitored by % [normalized - Hake] FCI gains, which for successive
years were: 40, 56, 64, 68, 56. During the last two years the method was
applied to a community college class with gains of 82 and 64. The former is
the first recorded FCI gain over 72%. Evaluation with several other
instruments gave equally impressive results. This convinced NSF reviewers
that the course is ready for export to other schools, and we were awarded a
grant to do just that.
MODELING WORKSHOPS AT ASU:
For physics faculty who want to learn the modeling approach, ASU will hold
NSF-funded 3-week summer workshops in 2001 and 2002 on "Remodeling
University Physics". (The third week is optional but highly recommended.)
If you think you might like to participate next summer, please reply SOON
and tell me which starting date you'd prefer:
Monday, June 4, or
Monday, June 11.
Cheers,
Jane
Jane Jackson, Co-Director, Modeling Instruction Program
Box 871504, Dept.of Physics & Astronomy,ASU,Tempe,AZ 85287
480-965-8438/fax:965-7331. http://modeling.la.asu.edu
"The ideals which have lighted my way, and time after
time have given me new courage to face life cheerfully,
have been Kindness, Beauty, and Truth." - Einstein (1931)