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[Phys-L] Re: Whither Introductory Physics Labs? (was Lab Reports - was Human Error)



At 09:04 AM 5/10/2005, Tim F., you wrote:
Does this strike anyone else as internally inconsistent?

[bw]

Hmmm.... I see a certain resistance to a scientific, experiment based
approach to physics education testing.

[tf]

That's not what I saw.

[bw]
... one can always attack
the validity of the objective test instruments advocated.

[tf]
But you have to at least challenge the test instruments used.

...
[bw]
For example.
How do you validate auto mechanic training/education?

By having a subject fix or replace an auto transmission,
an engine, or a a wish bone suspension, and having the
vehicle perform satisfactorily, thereafter.

[tf]

But perhaps that mechanic was trained on one brand of car,
and subsequently tested on the same brand of car. You can't
spend three weeks testing him/her on multiple brands with multiple problems.
It this case, I would be happy to use a verbal test as a supplement
to discover if the mechanic _understood_ the concepts involved in
changing a transmission and the differences between brands.

Tim F


I was pleased to see that Tim responded directly to the points raised.
And I see he has reservations about the operational testing of
trained/educated students - in that their knowledge may be narrow
though deep.

You will recognize this description as often applied to PhDs too, though.
And Tim uses another touchstone - that of "understanding material".

I carefully specified operational tests - "can you do the job?" - rather than
"can you talk plausibly on topic, without stage-fright....?"

This concept leads one to a certain-hand-waving among cognoscenti:
what is a physics graduate capable of?

If this is followed with sentiments such as this...
"physics is helpful in logical, ordered problem
solving skills,"
I cannot but help recalling the very same virtues
offered for scholars of Latin & Greek.



Brian Whatcott Altus OK Eureka!
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