Re: [Phys-l] thinking skills (and how to teach thinking skills)

["Anthony Lapinski" <Anthony_Lapinski@pds.org>]

Physics is a unique and fascinating discipline. Hard to teach and harder
to comprehend. I tell my students that physics is HOT -- higher order
thinking. Traditional lecturing does not work (i.e., does not make
students remember what they learned). I now use peer instruction, and it
has been helpful. Make students responsible for their learning. My tests
have three parts: multiple choice, math, and essays. By far, the math is
easiest for them. Concepts are the most difficult. And few get the essays.
If you really want to see what they know, try some questions where they
have to write a paragraph or so.

Forum for Physics Educators <phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu> writes:
> My $0.02--  I agree that we do a very poor job of "teaching" students to 
> think, but on the other hand I am not sure that it is possible to really 
> accomplish that task at all.  I think we all have to figure that out 
> ourselves for the most part.  What I think that we really need to do more
> of 
> in our classrooms is showing students the usefulness of thinking and then 
> model to our students how we use our thinking skills to make life better. 
> Our best students have learned well the usefulness of remembering.  That 
> skill has brought them reward after reward.  Lets find ways to reward 
> thinking.
>
>
> Cliff Parker
> If you think your thinking and its easy you probably are just remembering.
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