Re: [Phys-l] Any teaching tips

[William Robertson <wrobert9@ix.netcom.com>]

I agree with your comments below, Rick. Problem solving tests can be  
useful, but to test understanding, they should be "transfer" problems-- 
problems that present a brand new physical situation that relies on an  
understanding of physics concepts for solution. These are not always  
easy problems to construct, but they do test understanding and  
minimize the testing of memorized concepts and procedures.

Bill


On Jan 27, 2011, at 11:46 AM, Dr. Richard Tarara wrote:

> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "LaMontagne, Bob" <RLAMONT@providence.edu>
>
>
> > Is our mission teaching physics or teaching students how to do well
> > solving textbook physics problems? I realize that students have to  
> > be able
> > to do this type of problem on exams and standardized tests, but I  
> > feel
> > that sometimes there is an undue emphasis on rote problem solving.  
> > I think
> > JD alluded to the same idea in an earlier posting.
>
> In my mind, any 'problem solving' courses--usually our Algebra based  
> and
> Calculus based courses--need dual emphasis on both problem solving and
> conceptual understanding.  The old assumption that you 'must'  
> understand the
> concepts if you can do the problems is just plain wrong (unless the  
> problems
> are _expertly_ crafted to draw out the concepts).  What Fouad  
> suggests is
> WAY TOO mechanical--maybe OK for a week or two of getting into problem
> solving, but in the end would produce 'lab tech' problem solvers, not
> 'scientist' problem solvers.  Given a problem with extra information  
> or
> needed information that had to be inferred, I think the 'lab tech  
> types
> would be at a loss.  Problem solving is a good tool towards critical
> thinking skills, something any good scientist/engineer must be able  
> to do,
> but you haven't mastered the physics without a strong conceptual
> understanding and I really don't think that kind of understanding  
> can be
> assessed by problem solving alone.  Conceptual quizzes, IMO, need to  
> be a
> part of any physics course--probably clear on up to Quantum!
>
> Rick
>
> Richard W. Tarara
> Professor of Physics
> Saint Mary's College
> Notre Dame, Indiana
>
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