Re: [Phys-l] introductory physics course

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

It is certainly well designed from the point of view of the PER research.
But students, parents, and the administration might object to it because it
is a series of lab activities and does not resemble a textbook.  The
students will learn more from it, but many will say "Where is the text?",
this is a workbook.  The Minds on Physics almost suffers from the same
problem, except that it is a combination with the "text" or reader in the
back of the book.  MOP also comes with an extensive set of instructors
manuals.

If you have never done physics by inquiry, it is inadvisable to just jump in
by using an inquiry based text.  Before using it you are well advised to go
to one of McDermott's summer workshops, where you can learn how to use it.
Without experience in doing this type of teaching, you are better off with a
more conventional text, and getting Mazur's book "Peer Instruction".  Then
try to learn why he does specific things and how he does them.  Then start
by adding concept questions to you lectures.  Then after that I would
recommend the Minds on Physics series as the next step.

If you have taught in an inquiry fashion McDermott is certainly recommended.
If you have not already taught by inquiry, using this as a primary text is
very likely to be a disaster.

John M. Clement
Houston, TX



> hello to everyone on this list,
> i am considering the chance to use the following book for my next
> physics course in high school:
> "Physics by Inquiry by Lillian McDermott"
> and i'd like to hear if anyone has used it, if it was useful or not,
> if you are aware of resources built upon a similar conceptual
> background and what you think about the McDermott view of learning
> physics (at schools and beyond)