Implementation of Tutorials in Large Introductory Physics Courses

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus, Cincinnati OH

Investigators

Abstract

Physics (13) This project is adapting and implementing the Tutorials in Introductory Physics, by Lillian McDermott, Peter Shaffer and the Physics Education Group at the University of Washington, in the recitation sections of the large introductory calculus-based physics courses taught at the University of Cincinnati. The goal of this proposal is to improve the performance of the science, math and engineering students taking introductory calculus- based physics courses, which have been a barrier for many science and engineering students at the University of Cincinnati. The students in these courses come from a diverse background and include many at-risk students. The tutorials have been pilot tested at the University of Cincinnati, and students using tutorials have shown improvement over non-tutorial students. A Tutorial Coordinator is helping the department completely implement the tutorials, and peer instructors helping as facilitators in the tutorial recitation classes. The Coordinator will coordinate all tutorial recitations and manage the recitation instructors' tutorial training sessions, under the supervision of the Principal Investigators. Innovative features of this implementation of the tutorials are the pairing of a graduate teaching assistant with an undergraduate peer student, the testing and selection of an effective set of tutorials for less well-prepared students, and the use of checkpoints and grading based on recitation performance to motivate students and guide the recitation instructors. The University of Washington Physics Education Group will be involved in observing and advising on the implementation of the tutorials.