PERC 2016 Abstract Detail Page
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| Abstract Title: | Effect of Active Learning on Student Attitudes towards Learning Physics |
|---|---|
| Abstract: | Most professors at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, an Hispanic Serving Institution, perceive pre-med majors to have relatively weak backgrounds in high school physics and math and have little interest in learning physics profoundly. They also feel many students only want to get high grades to improve their transcripts. Through implementing various active learning methods in my General Physics I class in Fall 2015, including aligning curriculum with MCAT standards, employing classroom demonstrations, solving problems within various contexts, realizing just-in-time teaching with clickers, and encouraging small-group discussions, we found dramatically improved student attitudes towards learning physics, as measured by the CLASS survey on 19 students in the beginning and the end of the semester. This pilot study calls for a continuous study on the effect of active learning. It also directs other STEM educators to conduct similar research to improve quality of education in introductory-level classes. |
| Abstract Type: | Contributed Poster Presentation |
Author/Organizer Information | |
| Primary Contact: |
Liang Zeng The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley 1201 W. University Drive PHYS 1.118 Edinburg, TX 78539 Phone: 9566652169 Fax: 9566652423 |
| Co-Author(s) and Co-Presenter(s) |
Guang Zeng |
