Re: Pedagogy

[Robert Cohen <Robert.Cohen@PO-BOX.ESU.EDU>]

On Monday, May 03, 2004 4:00 PM, Bob LaMontagne wrote:

> Also, every subject area has an incredible variety of
> textbooks devoted to it. If the one you are using for the
> class is too theory oriented, you can usually find many in
> the library that basically cover the course through solved 
> example problems.

and on Monday, May 03, 2004 3:54 PM, Joel Rauber wrote:

> The original post noted that the classical mechanics 
> professor was using Marion for his/her notes.  I know the 
> text well and would observe that there are many worked out 
> examples in that text.  Furthermore, a trip to the library 
> and checking out the classical mechanics section would 
> yield-up many other texts at an equivalent level that will 
> have many worked out examples.

I think the broad training of physics allows physicists to
learn from texts as suggested above.  However, many (most?)
students are still learning to figure out what they know and
what they don't know and, from that, figure out what questions
they need to ask and how to find the answer.  Sending those
students to more texts doesn't solve their problem.  Neither
does telling them "to figure it out" or to "work harder".

Rather, these students need help in defining the problem and
recognizing where their understanding is weak.

The problem is two-fold.  First, many professors simply don't
see this as their role.  Second, there are many students whose
problem really is that, though capable, they just don't want to
"work harder" and try to figure it out.  Learning is not simply
copying someone else's solution.  And, it can be very difficult
the first time you are required to "really learn" and not simply
regurgitate previously-completed solutions.

What is the problem in this case?  I don't know.  However, I wouldn't
be surprised if Fernanda recognizes the difference between learning
and simply regurgitating someone else's solutions.  If so, the real
problem is the need for a mentor to help define the problem and get
Fernanda to recognize where her understanding is weak.  Solving
problems on the board may not be (and probably is not) the answer.
However, there may still be a need for some support beyond direct
instruction and textbooks.

____________________________________________________
Robert Cohen; 570-422-3428; www.esu.edu/~bbq
East Stroudsburg University; E. Stroudsburg, PA 18301