Physics Commons^™

The Impacts Of Small Group Interactions And Social Interdependence In Introductory Physics, Miguel Angel Rodriguez Velazquez

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The collected works in my dissertation are centered around the dynamics and impacts of small group learning in introductory physics. It is motivated by a desire to better understand which classroom practices and learning processes may lead to students achieving greater understanding or affinity to physics. Several theoretical frameworks are leveraged in my work including physics identity theory, social interdependence theory and social metacognition. The research design employed quantitative and qualitative methods including regression analysis, descriptive statistics, and observational analysis.

Firstly, students across the U.S. enrolled in first semester introductory physics courses were surveyed at the beginning and end of …