Re: help in general physics

["Paul Zitzewitz" <PZITZEWI@sb-f1.umd.umich.edu>]

Al Clark wrote (in part)
> At the least, I want to ask for recommendations of alternative textbooks
> for general physics that pay more attention to problem solving skills, or
> have a more effective approach to developing those skills, while still
> providing a solid foundation in physics. I would also appreciate
> information or references about teaching strategies that others have found
> to be effective, what topics must be covered in general physics (and to
> what depth), what topics can effectively be postponed to later, etc.
> Thanks in advance.
 
I have been using Al Van Heuvelen's ALPS Kits (Active Learning 
Problem Sets) for the past year in the mechanics half of this course. 
The encourage (require) students to draw pictures, draw motion and 
free-body diagrams, define symbols and coordinate systems, then 
finally do the math, and at the end evaluate the solution.  In 
general they work well, especially for weaker students.  By 
emphasizing qualitative solutions, they strongly reduce the tendancy 
of students to solve a problem by hunting for the correct equation.

On the other hand, they do slow down the course (probably a good 
thing).  The allow (encourage?) some students to avoid reading the 
textbook and thus not get the broader approach and 
theoretical/cultural introduction.  They do not use graphical 
techniques at all, nor do they do any calculus.  While I like the 
order of momentum and angular motion before work and energy, the 
order is not supported by Halliday/Resnick/Walker. 

On the whole, I would strongly recommend that you look at them. 
Publisher is Hayden-McNeil 313 729-5550.