The Activity Based Physics Faculty Institutes

University Of Oregon Eugene, Eugene OR

Investigators

Abstract

This project improves undergraduate introductory physics instruction for many college students, including under-represented and under-prepared populations, by changing their learning environment to a more active one. The Activity Based Physics Group achieves this goal by 1) identifying and recruiting faculty who are interested in changing their teaching, conducting action research in their classrooms, and sharing new approaches with colleagues; 2) developing and presenting a series of Activity Based Physics Institutes at the University of Oregon and Dickinson College using curricula and tools from the Activity Based Physics Suite; 3) creating and maintaining follow-up and support mechanisms to help implementation; and 4) organizing follow-up sessions at national AAPT meetings. Project activities directly reach 160 faculty and affect an estimated 60,000 students, many from under-represented and under-prepared groups. Staff and participant dissemination activities built into the project assure that the impact will be much broader.