Re: [Phys-l] Inquiry

["Anthony Lapinski" <Anthony_Lapinski@pds.org>]

Most people learn (physics) best by actively doing ("engaging") rather
than passively reading.

There is no better substitute for a good teacher, lively class, etc. We
are their best resource for helping students understand this most
difficult subject.

Yes, students tend to procrastinate or do the bare minimum amount of work
(and expect maximum comprehension!).

Not sure what you mean by "extraordinarily good." Many "college physics"
textbooks look the same! I wonder how students feel about these textbooks
when they attempt to read/understand them. I imagine they would use much
different adjectives in their description.


Forum for Physics Educators <phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu> writes:
> I still think students are rational - they do what they need to do. 
> Depending on how we design our classes, they may not  need to read.  I
> think that it is a weakness of my own honors and AP physics classes that
> I feel that I should explain everything (by lecture, demo, applet,
> simulation...).  So students tell me that they don't need to read the
> book because they learned it in class.
>
> But then every once in a while, I take a closer look at the books.  They
> are really extraordinarily good.  So now I am making a point of choosing
> small sections from the book and saying to my students:  you are
> responsible for this, I am testing on it and I am NOT covering this in
> class.  I think this is an important part of their preparation for
> college.  One thing I remember clearly is that none of my math or science
> classes in college presented all of the material we were to learn while
> in class.  Reading the textbooks was the only option available for 30 -
> 60 percent of the material depending on the class.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: phys-l-bounces@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu
> [mailto:phys-l-bounces@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu] On Behalf Of Anthony
> Lapinski
> Sent: Thursday, February 26, 2009 10:54 PM
> To: Forum for Physics Educators
> Subject: Re: [Phys-l] Inquiry
>
> Physics is very difficult to understand, especially the first time around.
> Second and third, too. Many counterintuitive ideas, unlike any other
> discipline.
>
> Most textbooks are too dry, too heavy, too confusing, and packed with way
> too much information. Daunting to read, much less comprehend, especially
> at the pace most teachers/courses go.
>
> Students these days are too distracted, too busy, and/or too lazy to read
> physics textbooks.
>
> With good teaching, appropriate demos, peer instruction, and active
> engagement of students in class, the textbook becomes less necessary.
> Except, perhaps, for math problems/homework and some worked out examples,
> but one can always make his/her own problem sets as I do.
>
> Forum for Physics Educators <phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu> writes:
> > I'm trying to imagine a mode which is more delivery than reading.
> >
> > It seems to me it is very much to the point.  But you are correct,
> > when you are part of the club, when you understand the key concepts
> > and are familiar with the language and methodology, a great deal can
> > be learned from books.
> >
> > Is that where our beginning students are?
> >
> > cheers,
> >
> > joe
> >
> > Joseph J. Bellina, Jr. Ph.D.
> > Professor of Physics
> > Saint Mary's College
> > Notre Dame, IN 46556
> >
> > On Feb 26, 2009, at 10:20 PM, David Craig wrote:
> >
> > > > With all respect to Gutenberg, why do you preference reading over
> > > > doing.
> > >
> > >
> > > Oh, for heaven's sake.   There is a great deal that must be learned
> > > from books at one stage or another.   Surely THAT'S not a point of
> > > debate?
> > >
> > > David Craig
> > >
> > >
> > > <http://web.lemoyne.edu/~craigda/>
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > Forum for Physics Educators
> > > Phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu
> > > https://carnot.physics.buffalo.edu/mailman/listinfo/phys-l
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Forum for Physics Educators
> > Phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu
> > https://carnot.physics.buffalo.edu/mailman/listinfo/phys-l
>
>
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