Group discussions, 23 October

I: Computing and visualization. Electromagnetism

  • Experiences of Matlab, VPython, ...
  • When and how do you introduce it?
  • Integrated part or bonus system?
  • Computing across the curriculum?
  • How do you help teachers to learn to use it?
  • Collaborations with mathematics and computer or computing science?

  • Alternative approaches to undergraduate electromagnetism

II. Interactivity and homework in large student groups

  • Experiences with clicker systems
  • Experiences with Peer Instruction
  • Just-in time teaching
  • Ping-Pong or other Learning platforms
  • How does attendance affect results?

  • How do you get students to do homework?
  • What are the experiences of Mastering physics or similar systems?
  • How do you make students work without giving them extra credit on the final exam?
  • What are the experiences of different methods to motivate students to read texts before coming to class?

III: Small group discussions:

  • What are the experiences with problem solving in small groups?
  • What works and what doesn't?
  • What are relevant research results?
  • The art of supervising small-group discussions.

IV. Examination, grading, assessment

  • The Bologna system requires us to give 5 different passing grades? How do we do this?
  • How do we assess abilities not tested in a written exam?
  • What are the experiences with alternative forms of examination?
  • Do we assess conceptual understanding?
  • Concept maps as assessment?
  • How do we formulate, teach for and assess relevant goals?

V. History, modelling, nature of science

  • The use of historical development of physics
  • The role of experiments
  • How are models developed in relation to experimental results?
  • How do we know?
  • Limitations of language and lack of exact definitions
The questions were collected from mails from the participants and then joined together in groups after participants expressed preferences.
http://physics.gu.se/~f3aamp/edu/sotl/groupdisc.html
2008-09-13, updated 2008-10-11