Just published: Canadian Journal of Physics 88, (5), 325-332, 2010 http://pubs.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/rp-ps/inDetail.jsp?jcode=cjp&vol=88&is=5&lang=eng
Comparison of the effectiveness of collaborative groups and peer
instruction in a large introductory physics course for science majors
Calvin S. Kalman, Marina Milner-Bolotin, and Tetyana Antimirova
Abstract: We report on an experiment comparing examinations of
concepts using slightly modified peer instruction (MPI) interventions
with a conceptual conflict strategy based on collaborative groups
(CG). Four interventions were utilized in two sections of an
introductory physics course for science students. Both instructors
and strategies were alternated in the two classes so that instructor
dependence could be factored out and so that each class could serve
as both an experimental and a control group. The gain on the Force
Concept Inventory (FCI) used as a pre- and post-test is essentially
the same in
both classes. The instructors were experienced in use of MPI, but
this was the first time that these instructors had used a
collaborative group activity in their classes and only used it for
the two interventions in each class described in this paper. CG
appears to be more effective as a teaching method than PI. It also
should be noted that the effectiveness of both teaching methods seems
to be instructor independent as long as the instructors followed the
same protocol.
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Best wishes
Calvin
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_/ Calvin S. Kalman, P. Phys. Phone: (514) 848-2424 xt 3284
_/ Professor,Department of Physics Fax: (514) 848-2828
_/ Principal, Science College
_/ Concordia University
_/ Montreal, QC H4B 1R6 Calvin.Kalman@concordia.ca
_/
_/ Also Adjunct Professor Department of Educational
_/ and Counseling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
_/
_/
_/ homepage- http://physics.concordia.ca/faculty/ckalman.php
_/
_/ Editor-in-Chief book series Science & Engineering Education Sources
_/ http://www.infoagepub.com/series/Science-Engineering-Education-Sources
_/
_/ See
_/ Successful Science and Engineering Teaching in Colleges and Universities
_/ at
_/ http://www.josseybass.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-1933371161.html
_/ See review found in the Journal of Chemical Education Oct. 2007:
_/ http://tinyurl.com/2rt7tj
_/
_/ For the research behind this book see:
_/ "Successful Science and Engineering Teaching: Theoretical and Learning
_/ Perspectives (Innovation and Change in Professional Education)"
_/ at
_/ http://tinyurl.com/3qn237
_/
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