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Re: Setting up problems



All of the suggestions about first learning the concepts certainly are
valid, but there are also ways to improve problem solving in addition to
improving conceptual understanding. The rich context problems of the
Heller's http://groups.physics.umn.edu/physed/Research/CGPS/CGPSintro.htm
improve problem solving but according to the study at RPI they do not
improve conceptual understanding as much as other methods.

The textbook series Minds on Physics were specifically designed to improve
problem solving and the authors claim that an independent evaluation has
found that students exhibit expert like problem solving behavior.
http://umperg.physics.umass.edu/projects/MindsOnPhysics

The classic study by Mehl in S. Africa improved problem solving to the point
where the passing rate on their standard final exam zoomed from 50% to 100%.
Mehl M., (1985) "The cognitive difficulties of first year physics students
at the University of the Western Cape and various compensatory programmes"
PhD tesis, Univ. of Cape Town.

Unfortunately we do not currently have an evaluation of problem solving
which is the equivalent of the FCI.

John M. Clement
Houston, TX