Group
Problem Solving Curriculum
for
Introductory Physics
Along with David Sokoloff and Ronald Narode, I have developed a set of tutorials that are designed to be used for an hour or two each week as part of an introductory physics course. The tutorials may be thought of as an active engagement alternative to the traditional problem-solving "recitation", where an instructor solves homework problems for the students. The tutorials may also be used as the curriculum for more formalized models of peer instruction, such as the PLTL workshop model.
There is a body of evidence suggesting that in general, students who work collaboratively in groups learn more effectively than those who do not. This particular curriculum has been used both at the University of Oregon and at Lewis & Clark College, and evidence suggests that students using it become better problem solvers and gain more conceptual understanding than those who simply attend lectures. However, more testing is needed so that the curriculum may be tested and revised in an iterative cycle:
If you would like to look at my curriculum and possibly test it at the high school or college level, you may download current versions of the in-progress work. Please fill out the form on the download page so that I may contact you regarding your use of the tutorials and to discuss possible evaluation strategies.
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