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Full-Text Articles in Physics
Applying A Resources Framework To Analysis Of The Force And Motion Conceptual Evaluation, Trevor I. Smith, Michael C. Wittmann
Applying A Resources Framework To Analysis Of The Force And Motion Conceptual Evaluation, Trevor I. Smith, Michael C. Wittmann
Trevor I. Smith
We suggest one redefinition of common clusters of questions used to analyze student responses on the Force and Motion Conceptual Evaluation. Our goal is to propose a methodology that moves beyond an analysis of student learning defined by correct responses, either on the overall test or on clusters of questions defined solely by content. We use the resources framework theory of learning to define clusters within this experimental test that was designed without the resources framework in mind. We take special note of the contextual and representational dependence of questions with seemingly similar physics content. We analyze clusters in ways …
Comparing Three Methods For Teaching Newton’S Third Law, Trevor I. Smith, Michael C. Wittmann
Comparing Three Methods For Teaching Newton’S Third Law, Trevor I. Smith, Michael C. Wittmann
Trevor I. Smith
Although guided-inquiry methods for teaching introductory physics have been individually shown to be more effective at improving conceptual understanding than traditional lecture-style instruction, researchers in physics education have not studied differences among reform-based curricula in much detail. Several researchers have developed University of Washington–style tutorial materials, but the different curricula have not been compared against each other. Our study examines three tutorials designed to improve student understanding of Newton’s third law: the University of Washington’s Tutorials in Introductory Physics (TIP), the University of Maryland’s Activity-Based Tutorials (ABT), and the Open Source Tutorials (OST) also developed at the University of Maryland. …