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A role for physicists in STEM education reform
[Guest Editorial by David Hestenes, in the Feb. 2015 American
Journal of Physics]
[I quote an excerpt.]
... In 2005, when NSF funding for Modeling Instruction ceased, the
teachers created their own organization, the American Modeling
Teachers Association (AMTA), to keep the program going. To date, the
AMTA has 2000 members, and coordinates 80 Modeling Workshops for
science teachers each summer. Approximately 7500 teachers have
attended one or more Modeling workshops, and of these teachers,
almost 6000 of them are still subscribed to one or more of seven
Modeling listservs.
I used to worry about the fact that some two-thirds of high school
physics teachers do not have even an undergraduate minor in physics,
and the pipeline for new teachers can hardly keep up with the
retirement rate. But, in my years directing the Modeling Program, I
have seen that many crossover teachers do a much better job teaching
physics than most physics majors. I attribute this partly to their
embrace of Modeling pedagogy and partly to the intellectual curiosity
and self-confidence of those who venture to cross-over teaching.
Outcomes have convinced me that training in summer Modeling Workshops
is sufficient to develop any capable individual with some background
in science or engineering into a competent STEM teacher - especially
with the continued support and fellowship provided by the AMTA.
To my utter surprise and delight, the Modeling Program has morphed
into a large, cohesive community of practice with a common vision of
effective STEM teaching. Though I helped get it started, the teachers
did the heavy lifting, and the AMTA is prepared to marshal the
teachers in a collaborative effort to reform STEM education across
the board. It is time now for the community of scientists, especially
physicists, to step up in support.
[Am. J. Phys. 83 (2), February 2015 http://aapt.org/ajp
copyright 2015 American Association of Physics Teachers]
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peace,
Jane
Jane Jackson, Co-Director, Modeling Instruction Program
Box 871504, Dept.of Physics, ASU, Tempe, AZ 85287
480-965-8438/fax:965-7565 http://modeling.asu.edu
Jane.Jackson@asu.edu
For 24 years, Modeling Instruction has helped teachers attain
knowledge and skills needed to benefit their students. Modeling
Instruction is designated as an Exemplary K-12 science program by the
U.S. Department of Education. The American Physical Society
recognized it with the 2014 Excellence in Physics Education Award.
Change The Equation rates it an Exemplary STEM program.
The American Modeling Teachers Assn (AMTA) is expanding the work
nationwide: http://modelinginstruction.org . AMTA is a 100Kin10
Partner.