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Re: [Phys-l] Reading Hestenes



Thanks to all for the responses. I have been to a workshop at Tufts
conducted by Priscilla Laws and found many things that I could incorporate
into my classes and labs. I just did not feel comfortable completely
converting my courses to this approach. One of you mentioned Mazur's peer
approach. I actually am using that also. I use Serway as a text and it has
Turning Point Technology bundled with it - this has response paddles that
allow students to answer questions and provide feedback during the lecture -
all anonymously. I find that this feedback made a big improvement to my
lectures and Power Point presentations. The students bought into this
approach immediately.

Even though I haven't been persuaded to totally immerse myself in the PER
techniques, I do find bits and pieces of it quite useful.

I mainly was looking for advice as to what to read to delve further into it
and whether it was worth the effort. I think I now have what I need from
your responses - both on-list and off-list.

Thanks,

Bob at PC

-----Original Message-----
From: phys-l-bounces@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu [mailto:phys-l-
bounces@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu] On Behalf Of Anthony Lapinski
Sent: Tuesday, December 05, 2006 8:53 PM
To: Forum for Physics Educators
Subject: Re: [Phys-l] Reading Hestenes

I teach in high school, and am no expert with PER. I have attended three
AAPT workshops on them during the last two summer meetings. Learned about
peer instruction, etc. Tried it in my class. It was like a transformation.
More student-centered. More learning, which is what we ultimately want for
our students. More work for me, too, but worth the effort.

Forum for Physics Educators <phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu> writes:
The chemistry department at our college has hired a temporary instructor
who
has an extensive background not only in the research related to teaching
chemistry but also some background in PER.

We are being harangued at lunchtime about how we all have to mend our
ways
and listen to the PER people in terms of restructuring the goals and the
methodology used in our Intro to Physics classes.

I have not had the time nor the inclination to wade through PER material.
For those of you who have, did you find it worth the time involved? Are
there particular papers or studies by Hestenes that will give me concepts
that will have demonstrable positive effects in my Intro courses? Are
there
other people whose papers are worth reading?

I would especially like to hear from non PER people who have had personal
experience with this - instead of being beat over the head by true
believers
- as I am currently by this new instructor :-)

Bob at PC

_______________________________________________
Forum for Physics Educators
Phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu
https://carnot.physics.buffalo.edu/mailman/listinfo/phys-l


_______________________________________________
Forum for Physics Educators
Phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu
https://carnot.physics.buffalo.edu/mailman/listinfo/phys-l