The British Columbia Association of Physics Teachers (BC Section of
the AAPT) will be hosting a seminar for physics teachers in July, 1999.
Title: Teaching Physics Using Interactive Teaching Methods and
Computers
Dates: July 19 to 23, 1999
Place: Columbia College, Vancouver, B.C.
Deadlines: Initial application by May 15, 1999;
Complete registration and payment by May 27, 1999
Details:
Extensive physics education research has shown that interactive
teaching methods greatly increase students conceptual understanding.
Greater conceptual understanding leads to much improved problem solving
test scores. This seminar will present detailed information on the use
of interactive teaching methods. The topics will cover lectures,
laboratory work, and problem solving sessions (tutorials).
The main presenters will be Priscilla Laws and Patrick Cooney.
Both presenters have been active for many years in the development
interactive and computer based techniques for teaching physics.
Participants will spend considerable time in a laboratory based
setting. Laboratory work will cover Motion and Force, Heat and
Temperature, Electric Circuits, Waves and Sound, and Light and Optics.
Audience:
This seminar is intended an introduction to interactive teaching
methods. The seminar will also provide an introduction to a range of
equipment that can be used. (Being comfortable with either a Windows or
Mac computer and being able to use a spreadsheet will be an asset.) The
physics education research that supports these teaching methods will be
presented. In this way participants will better understand the nature
of student preconceptions and how they limit understanding. The
significant changes in student understanding that result from
interactive teaching techniques will also be shown.