PERC 2009 Abstract Detail Page
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| Abstract Title: | Longer Term Impacts of Transformed Courses on Student Conceptual Understanding of E&M |
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| Abstract: | We have measured upper-division physics majors' performance using two research-based conceptual instruments in E&M, the BEMA [1] and the CUE (Colorado Upper Division Electrostatics assessment[2].) The BEMA has been given pre/post in freshman E&M (Physics II) courses, and the BEMA and CUE have been given as a pre/post-test in several upper-division E&M courses. Some of the data extends over 10 semesters. We used PER-based techniques to transform the introductory and upper-division courses starting in Fall 2004 and 2007, respectively [2,3]. Our longitudinal data allows us to measure "fade" on BEMA performance between freshman and junior year. We investigate the effects of curricula on students by comparing juniors who were enrolled in traditional vs transformed physics as freshmen, as well as those who were enrolled in transformed or traditional upper-division E&M I, using both BEMA and CUE measures. We find that while freshman reforms significantly impact BEMA scores, junior-level reforms affect CUE but not BEMA outcomes. [1] L. Ding et al., Phys Rev ST:PER 2, 010105 (2006) [2] N. Finkelstein and S. Pollock, Phys Rev ST:PER 1, 010101 (2005) [3] S. Chasteen, S. Pollock, "Transforming Upper-Division Electricity and Magnetism", PERC proceedings, Edmonton, 2008 |
| Abstract Type: | Contributed Poster |
| Contributed Poster: | Download the Contributed Poster |
Author/Organizer Information | |
| Primary Contact: |
Steven Pollock CU Boulder 390 UCB Dep't of Physics, University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309 Phone: 303-492-2495 |
| Co-Author(s) and Co-Presenter(s) |
Stephanie Chasteen (stephanie.chasteen -at- colorado.edu, same address and affiliation) |
