Re: Physics First

[dykstrad@varney.idbsu.edu (Dewey Dykstra, Jr.)]

> Anyway, Dewey challenged the above as NOT being from Piaget.  I wonder
> whether there is really enough evidence to say that its true at all.
> Often in education today, I feel that we prejudge student abilities
> and approach students with severely reduced EXPECTATIONS in terms of
> what they can or cannot do, what they are interested in or not, etc.
> It should then be no surprise, if under such circumstances students
> live up to these expectations.  Can ninth graders do conceptual
> physics?  I really suspect they can--just as well as most 11th or 12th
> graders if WE provide the appropriate types of courses.  We have one
> experiential yes vote from Mike Macallister.  Is there other firm
> evidence out there either pro or con?
>
> Rick Tarara


A colleague and I just submitted a manuscript to IJSE which gives data
suggesting that 4th, 6th, and 8th grade students make changes in their
conceptions of motion under conditions which facilitate such.

Dewey

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Dewey I. Dykstra, Jr.                   Phone: (208)385-3105
Professor of Physics                    Dept:  (208)385-3775
Department of Physics/SN318             Fax: (208)385-4330
Boise State University                  dykstrad@varney.idbsu.edu
1910 University Drive                   Boise Highlanders
Boise, ID 83725-1570                       novice piper
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