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Re: introductory physics course is misnamed



" kids come with preconceived notions that are totally
independent of any formal course of instruction"

This is true of people of all ages. Teaching adults is no different. This
is my class makeup.

Addressing the pitfalls is a most effective way to teach. Showing the
students the most common mistakes.
If you grade homework, you will see them. If you get students to go to the
board and do problems you will see them.

Well designed ConcepTests or class exercises are very useful in exposing
learning problems in a way that students can relate to at their level.
Putting a class of students inside an interesting problem is a very
effective way of teaching.

I have found that tutoring or working with students one on one or in small
groups is a very effective way to learn what a student's learning problems
really are.
Very often learning problems have their roots in mathematical ability or
just plain laziness.