[Phys-L] Re: student difficulties with velocity as a vector?

[Robert.Cohen at PO-BOX.ESU.EDU (Robert Cohen)]

> [mailto:PHYS-L@list1.ucc.nau.edu] On Behalf Of Jack Uretsky
> Sent: Saturday, October 29, 2005 1:02 PM
>
> On Sat, 29 Oct 2005, John Clement wrote:
>
> > No, it is not that they are not paying attention, it is
> that they do
> > not understand what you are saying.
>
>         My mind is boggled at trying to imagine the evidence
> that would support such a conclusion.

I don't necessarily disagree with either John nor Jack and this is
somewhat off my original question but I think can imagine some evidence
that would support a conclusion that they do not understand (even though
they pay attention).

How about this?

1. About half my students apparently don't understand what I am saying
as evidenced by the responses to my questions.

2. I only lecture for about 2-5 minutes at a time before I ask them a
question (via the remote) or ask them to discuss something with their
neighbors (as I walk around and address individual questions).  Again, I
know some people can drift off after a couple of seconds but most people
are expected to be capable of "paying attention" for a few minutes.

3. There are only 25 or so in the class.  They all look at me.  I know
some can sleep with their eyes open but for the majority I assume such a
focus is evidence of "paying attention".

____________________________________________________
Robert Cohen, Chair, Department of Physics
East Stroudsburg University; E. Stroudsburg, PA 18301
570-422-3428; www.esu.edu/~bbq