PERC 2009 Abstract Detail Page
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Abstract Title: | Modeling Applied to Problem Solving |
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Abstract: | Modeling[1] Applied to Problem Solving (MAPS) is a pedagogy that helps students transfer instruction to problem solving in an expert-like manner. Declarative and Procedural syllabus content is organized and learned (not discovered) as a hierarchy of General Models. Students solve problems using an explicit Problem Modeling Rubric that begins with System, Interactions and Model (S.I.M.). System and Interactions are emphasized as the key to a strategic description of the system and the identification of the appropriate General Model to apply to the problem. We have employed the pedagogy in a three-week review course for students who received a D in mechanics. The course was assessed by a final exam retest as well as pre and post C-LASS surveys, yielding a 1.2 standard deviation improvement in the students' ability to solve final exam problems and a statistically significant positive shift in 7 of the 9 categories in the C-LASS. 1. M. Wells, D. Hestenes, and G. Swakhamer, "A Modeling Method for High School Physics Instruction", Am. J. Phys. 63, 606-619 (1995). |
Abstract Type: | Targeted Poster |
Targeted Session: | Foundations of Course Reform for Introductory Physics |
Contributed Poster: | Download the Contributed Poster |
Author/Organizer Information | |
Primary Contact: |
Andrew Pawl MIT |
Co-Author(s) and Co-Presenter(s) |
Analia Barrantes, David E. Pritchard |