Re: AP Students

[Rick Tarara <rtarara@SAINTMARYS.EDU>]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Tim Burgess" <tburgess@JAGUAR1.USOUTHAL.EDU>
> We think conceptual understanding is important. We decided in (our
> high school) to offer pre AP level physics for this reason. Is it
> required to have a pre-AP conceptual course for success? We think not..
> because many students take and pass the AP in first year courses
> everywhere. Based on my experience the lessons of a conceptual course
> are more permanent than the quantitative problem solving.

An extensive survey of working scientists (and I think engineers) suggests
that they view problem solving skills as the most important aspect of their
physics education.  To be sure, they cite 'real-world' problem solving, but
one must crawl (intro courses) before they can run.  Knowledge of physics
(concepts) was WAY down the list of importance.  I think the survey was done
by the APS--anyone know the reference.

Rick

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Richard W. Tarara
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Saint Mary's College
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rtarara@saintmarys.edu

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