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Bozeman, MT Jun 18-Jun 22, 2012 Credit: 2 graduate Tuition & Fees: Per the MSU fee structure Instructor(s): Gregory Francis |
Course DescriptionThe goal of this five-day course is to prepare participants to teach an integrated mechanics course built around Tutorials in Introductory Physics (McDermott, et al.). This research-based curriculum was designed to be used in recitations to augment traditional lecture courses operating essentially independent of the lecture. As a test site for this curriculum, Francis has taken the next step by totally redesigning his courses so that the lectures in fact serve to supplement the tutorials. The course will model both the student-centered tutorial instruction and the supporting active-engagement lectures for a selection of topics from the first semester of the two-semester sequence. A special emphasis will be placed upon training of peer-instructors for the effective use of the Tutorials. Participants will receive 70 PowerPoint lectures, each with its own description and learning outcomes, designed to engage the students in active learning and provide the necessary links to the Tutorial experience. A complete description of supporting demonstrations will also be provided. Finally, participants will receive a large bank of research-based homework and exam questions designed specifically to elicit the common misconceptions addressed in the Tutorials.Meeting Place and Times MTWRF 9:00 am – 12:00 noon & 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Instructor(s)Gregory Francis, PhD. Dr. Francis is the director of the Conceptual Astronomy and Physics Education Research (CAPER) Team in the Department of Physics at Montana State University, where he teaches algebra-based physics in classes of up to 210 students per section. Over the last several years, he has developed a relatively low-budget, high-impact program of physics instruction that is producing gains on the Force Concept Inventory (a widely used test of conceptual understanding in basic mechanics) that are as good or better than lab-based programs that, by their design, require resources that are simply not available to many physics instructors. In addition, a study demonstrating a high long-term retention rate (“Do They Stay Fixed?” The Physics Teacher, 36(8), p. 488 (1998).) suggests that the program is doing much more than training them to give the right answers—it is changing their world view.PrerequisitesGraduate standing.Target AudienceTeachers enrolled in Montana State University's Master of Science in Science Education program; teachers desiring graduate credit in physics for professional development purposes.Tuition and FeesTuition and fees will be assessed per the MSU fee structure A $40 late fee will be assessed if payment is not posted to your account by 3 pm (Mountain Time) of the course start date (or the business day before if the course starts on a weekend or a holiday). Students who have a bachelor’s degree will need to pay the current MSU graduate tuition when enrolling in either undergraduate or graduate courses, in addition to any program fees assigned to the course offering. For questions contact our office toll free at (866)540-5660 or (406)994-6683. To learn more about tuition and fees, please see the University Business Services' Student Accounts Web page. Required Books/Materials
Textbooks are available from Montana State University Bookstore at 1-888-247-2546. Ask to speak with the Textbook Department. It will expedite your order if you tell the sales representative:
For More Informationcontact Diana Paterson at dianap@montana.edu or 406-994-5679. How to RegisterRegister Online |
