[Phys-l] Science and Teaching (was twistorical approach)

[Brian Whatcott <betwys1@sbcglobal.net>]

John,

you say it over and over again. But the list doesn't get it.
That the scientific method, being evidence-based, is applicable
to teaching methods and approaches. Yes it's messy. Yes it's fuzzy
at the edges. Based on wet-ware.
Give us a clue, please?

If someone mentions an approach to discussing a physics concept.
 How do I access the research-based material as a knee-jerk,
low effort response:
Google-Scholar.
Amazon book lists?
???
???

Thanks in advance


Brian W.


At 02:41 PM 5/5/2006, you wrote:
> But there is evidence that when the historical approach is used, the
> students can gain a higher level of understanding.  There was a paper
> in AJP where a class in Australia did this.  As I recall the subject
> was optics.  It is very clear that the standard presentation does not
> work extremely well, and that there are other research based methods
> that work much better.  There are few papers on the efficacy of a
> historical approach, but the one mentioned is significant.
>
> Again, before coming to a conclusion it is wise to read the relevant
> research.
>
> John M. Clement
>
>
>
>   John Denker <jsd@av8n.com> wrote:
> > One sometimes hears "the historical approach" suggested as a way to
> > motivate and to organize an intro-level physics course.  It just
> >cracks
> > me up.   ////


Brian Whatcott    Altus OK    Eureka!