UniServe Science, The University of Sydney
Enhancing Australian Science and Mathematics education
CAUT Grants in Physics 1995
We propose to develop a resource kit of diagnostic questions and
demonstrations, designed to improve first year students' understanding of
underlying concepts in thermal physics. The questions and demonstrations will
be primarily be used as diagnostic instruments and pedagogical tools in large
class lectures. Their design will be based on results of educational research
into concepts developed by students in physics. An important part will be a
comprehensive teachers' guide, showing how the questions and demonstrations are
related and how they can be used to improve concept development. The kit will
be immediately applicable to physics courses at our own and other Australia
universities and may also be used as a template for concept development
projects in other disciplines.
Host institution: University of Sydney
Leader: Dr B McInnes
Partner: P Walker
Contact address: School of Physics
Sydney NSW 2006
Tel: (02) 692 3037
Fax: (02) 660 2903
E-Mail mcinnes@physics.su.oz.au
We intend to develop a week-long intensive program for all entry level students
in the Faculty of Science, based on a successful trial held this year with 50
randomly selected physics students. The aim is to address specific
deficiencies in the students' preparation and skill level which have been
observed to hinder their success in tertiary science studies. Addressed will
be an appreciation of the scope and power of scientific method and the broad
underlying principle, logical reasoning, representation and interpretation of
scientific information, and note-taking, with a strong focus on problem solving
and thinking skills.
Host institution: University of Adelaide
Leader: Dr A Grisogono
Partner: I Kotlarski
Contact address: Department of Physics & Mathematical Physics
ADELAIDE SA 5005
Tel: (08) 303 3039
Fax: (08) 232 6541E-Mail amg@physics.adelaide.edu.au
The goal of this project is to create an integrated text, computer and video
based package to assist students from the physical sciences in learning the
techniques of analysis of experimental data. Ability to deal with scientific
data is of paramount importance to students in the physical sciences.
Materials focussing on the needs of students from the physical science is rare
and so educators are forced to draw on material created for groups such as
statisticians and social scientists. We propose to develop a package that is
focussed on the learning needs of physical science students within appropriate
data analysis contexts.
Host institution: University of Technology, Sydney
Leader: Dr L Kirkup
Partners: D Cobbin, B Larkin
Contact address: Department of Applied Physics
PO Box 123
BROADWAY NSW 2007
Tel: (02) 330 2218
Fax: (02) 330 2219
E-Mail kirkup@phys.uts.edu.au
The aim of this project is to enhance students' critical thinking skills, to
foster their abilities to work cooperative with peers and to assist in the
development of their communication skills. Chemistry and physics problems will
be developed which require students to clarify the problems and identify goals;
to deduce and locate the data needed to solve the problems; to develop novel
solution strategies, and to justify which of their solutions is the most
appropriate. The problems will be suitable mainly for first year university
courses and some of them will be laboratory-based. Students will solve the
problems in small groups and explain their solutions in an oral or written
presentation.
Host institution: University of Technology, Sydney
Leader: Dr R J Sleet
Partners: P Hager, P Logan
Contact address: Department of Chemistry
PO Box 123
BROADWAY NSW 2007
Tel: (02) 330 1739
Fax: (02) 330 1755
E-Mail R.Sleet@UTS.edu.au
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