Alyx Treat with Robert Brown

Once Again, With Feeling: Repetition Methods in Physics Instruction

We examine three newer methods of Physics education, all of which rely on the idea of repetition of concepts. Spiral Physics and Overview Case Study Physics (OCS) both start out with simple qualitative overviews of the subject, and build up to more quantitative mathematical concepts. Spiral Physics increases the complexity of the topics in small chunks, whereas OCS is designed to break the more qualitative learning into the first half of a semester, and the quantitative learning into the second half of the semester. Both systems make use of alternative types of questions and testing, with an emphasis on qualitative questions.

Another repetition method is currently being taught to Physics 123 students. It uses the idea of teaching the topics repeatedly and with increasing complexity, but without sacrificing the math early on. In addition, it stresses the whole spectrum of the subject in each round of repetition. A comparison of last year’s 123-class performance (which was taught using the more traditional method) with that of this semester will be made. An investigation of longer-term retention will also be attempted, which would give additional information on the value of the new teaching method. The test scores may also be compared to previous studies done on the Spiral and OCS. Proposed interviews with students currently in the Physics 123 class could also give information on how the students feel about the new method and how they think it compares to other Physics classes they have had.