PERC 2009 Abstract Detail Page
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| Abstract Title: | Pedagogical Approaches for Enhancing Cognitive Development in Introductory Physics |
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| Abstract: | We will present the approach we used to reform the first semester of the introductory algebra-based physics course at The George Washington University. The reform methodology sought to enhance students' cognitive development and improve their attitudes towards learning physics. The pedagogical approaches we developed include: 1) classification schemes that organize physics problems according to features related to physics principles; 2) learning progressions that combine traditional and research-based physics problems such that students gradually experience a new type of thinking as they learn a new topic; and 3) GW-ACCESS problem-solving protocol that builds on existing protocols but is accompanied by a specific teaching methodology and assessment. The instructional environment that we designed allows for explicit monitoring, control and measurement of the cognitive processes exercised during the instruction period. We will discuss the course objectives, the teaching methodology and the results that show improvement in student attitudes and their problem-solving abilities. |
| Abstract Type: | Contributed Poster |
Author/Organizer Information | |
| Primary Contact: |
Raluca Teodorescu The George Washington University Department of Physics 725 21st Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20052 Phone: 202-994-3825 Fax: 202-994-3001 |
| Co-Author(s) and Co-Presenter(s) |
Cornelius Bennhold The George Washington University Gerald Feldman The George Washington University Larry Medsker The George Washington University |
