IBL Approach to University Physics

These are the slides from the presentation I gave at the R. L. Moore Legacy Conference in Austin, Texas

Transcript

1. An IBL Approach to University Physics Michael Butros Victor Valley College butros@me.com https://www.butros.info June 13, 2013 Michael Butros (VVC) IBL in Physics June 13, 2013 1 / 15
2. Overview 1 Introduction to VVC Physics 2 Pedagogical Approach 3 Assessment Practices 4 Student Learning Outcomes 5 Student Comments Michael Butros (VVC) IBL in Physics June 13, 2013 2 / 15
3. Physics at Victor Valley College VVC is a middle size community college in Southern California Physics department consists of one full time and one adjunct faculty University Physics is a four semester sequence: PHYS 201 through PHYS 204 Majority of students have little or no prior experience with physics Majority of students have little or no experience with IBL Michael Butros (VVC) IBL in Physics June 13, 2013 3 / 15
4. Why change to IBL? Students need to be active participants when learning physics Students need to test their knowledge and get feedback on their progress on a regular basis TRADITIONAL LECTURE METHOD WAS NOT EFFECTIVE (for me and my students) Michael Butros (VVC) IBL in Physics June 13, 2013 4 / 15
5. Before First Class on a Topic Read lecture notes on topic Read chapter slides and work through topic examples Formulate questions about notes, slides, and examples Michael Butros (VVC) IBL in Physics June 13, 2013 5 / 15
6. First Class on the Topic Answer any questions on notes, slides, and examples Guided problem solving Students begin work on online assignment - Mostly conceptual questions Michael Butros (VVC) IBL in Physics June 13, 2013 6 / 15
7. Second Class on a Topic Students works in groups solving problems mostly on their own - I am there in case of “emergencies” Assignment for the topic is given Michael Butros (VVC) IBL in Physics June 13, 2013 7 / 15
8. Third Class on a Topic Finalize discussion on topic Students turn in assignment on topic Student take quiz on topic NOTE: Both the collected assignment and the quiz are graded and returned to student the next class meeting Michael Butros (VVC) IBL in Physics June 13, 2013 8 / 15
9. Laboratory Experiments Handout given day of the experiment Students perform the experiment in groups Each student is required to write a lab report All lab reports contains conceptual questions and computational problems Michael Butros (VVC) IBL in Physics June 13, 2013 9 / 15
10. Methods of Assessment Exams: 60% of final grade Computational Problems: 10% of final grade Conceptual Questions : 10% of final grade Quizzes: 10% of final grade Lab Reports: 10% of final grade Michael Butros (VVC) IBL in Physics June 13, 2013 10 / 15
11. Student Learning Outcomes - SLO The engineering physics sequence has the following SLO: Analyze and solve novel problems using the concepts, equations and methods of physics in both independent and collaborative settings. Investigate physical phenomena experimentally using appropriate equipment and methods, and make valid comparisons with theoretical predictions. Clearly communicate results of scientific inquiries in both oral and written form. Michael Butros (VVC) IBL in Physics June 13, 2013 11 / 15
12. SLO Assessment Results Cohort One - Fall 2010 through Spring 2012 Class 201 202 203 204 Success Rate 82.1% 91.3% 90.9% 91.7% Cohort Two - Fall 2011 through Spring 2013 Class 201 202 203 204 Success Rate 87.5% 95.5% 92.3% 92.3% Michael Butros (VVC) IBL in Physics June 13, 2013 12 / 15
13. Student Comments Student 1 “Although physics is hard, he makes me want to study more not because it is hard, it’s because he makes it interesting.” Student 2 “Thank you for teaching me so much about physics” Student 3 “I would not have had the passion and confidence to go into engineering if it wasn’t for you ” Michael Butros (VVC) IBL in Physics June 13, 2013 13 / 15
14. References Eric Mazur (1997) Peer Instruction - A User’s Manual Prentice Hall Publishing Randal D. Knight (2002) Five Easy Lessons - Strategies for Successful Physics Teaching Addison Wesley Publishing Michael Butros (VVC) IBL in Physics June 13, 2013 14 / 15
15. Questions? Michael Butros (VVC) IBL in Physics June 13, 2013 15 / 15