Teaching and learning physics: A model for coordinating physics instruction, outreach, and research
ABSTRACT
This paper describes the development of a new university physics course which
integrates physics, education, research, and community outreach. The coordinated
system of activities links the new course to local community efforts in pre-college
education, university education, university outreach, and research on teaching
and learning. The course facilitated student learning of physics as demonstrated
by a conceptual survey presented at the beginning and end of the course (gain
= 51%; N=13). In addition, qualitative assessment in the form of observational
fieldnotes, audiotapes of class, and course surveys support this conclusion.
These assessment tools also document improvement in student mastery of theories
and practices of teaching and learning physics. Simultaneously, the course supports
university efforts in community outreach and creates a rich environment for
education research. The following narrative describes the motivation, structure,
implementation, effectiveness, and potential for extending and sustaining this
alternative model for university level science education.
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