Implementation of an Active Learning Pedagogy into the General Physics Curriculum at Towson University

Towson University, Towson MD

Investigators

Abstract

Physics (13) The Physics Department at Towson University is restructuring the calculus based general physics courses in order to a) provide a more effective learning environment for the students, b) provide appropriate course content in the service courses, c) increase the retention of declared physics majors in the general physics courses, and d) teach the general physics courses in such a manner so as to recruit additional students. This is accomplished by offering two sequences of calculus based general physics; one acts as a service course to other science disciplines, and the other is an Honors Physics course. The Honors Physics sequence not only has students from the Honors College enrolled, but all declared physics majors take the course. Placing the physics majors in a class with highly motivated, interested students such as from the honors college helps to increase the retention rate of the majors. Additionally, this low enrollment course is taught using adaptation of Workshop Physics techniques. This highly interactive, active learning environment has been demonstrated to be a more effective method of teaching physics than traditional lectures, and students are expected to retain their enthusiasm and interest in physics. Additionally, by separating the physics majors from the present calculus based general physics courses, the department can modify the content of the courses to suit the needs of the other science disciplines. Equipment is being used in both the Workshop Physics honors course and the regular general physic course. In the regular general physics course, the equipment allows the faculty to explore implementation of a calculus-based version of Realtime physics.