Re: [Phys-l] Motivating Students

["John M Clement" <clement@hal-pc.org>]

I would strongly second this.  The research has shown that virtually 
every conventionally taught science course decreases student liking 
for and interest in science.  This happens all the way throught 
elementary school to college.  Joe Redish has found that every 
conventionally taught course pushes students toward more novice ways 
of thinking.  He found that studio style courses produce some gain 
rather than loss.

The usual remedies of enthusiasm, beautiful demos, logical well 
crafted lectures... generally do not work.  A studio style course is 
generally one where the students do the work, and gain some good 
understanding.  Once they have success, better attitudes follow.  But 
once this is said there are always the upper 1% who will thrive no 
matter what you do.

John M. Clement

> Some years ago, Sheila Tobias worked on this issue when she was part 
>
> of the Research Corp.  Sheila are you on this list...want to 
> comment?
>
> Take a look at "They're Not Dumb, They're Different"  It is about 
> how  
> science and math classes decrease motivation in all be a few 
> students.
> It has been my experience that when you engage students in their own 
>
> learning rather than merely telling them what they should know, they 
>
> become more motivated.  When students realize that you see them as  
> individuals and they know that you care that they learn, them become 
>
> more motivated.