Title

P^3: A Practice Focused Learning Environment

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-22-2017

Publication Title

European Journal of Physics

Abstract

There has been an increased focus on the integration of practices into physics curricula, with a particular emphasis on integrating computation into the undergraduate curriculum of scientists and engineers. In this paper, we present a university-level, introductory physics course for science and engineering majors at Michigan State University (MSU) called ${\rm P}^3$ (Projects and Practices in Physics) that is centered around providing introductory physics students with the opportunity to appropriate various science and engineering practices. The ${\rm P}^3$ design integrates computation with analytical problem solving and is built upon a curriculum foundation of problem-based learning, the principles of constructive alignment and the theoretical framework of community of practice. The design includes an innovative approach to computational physics instruction, instructional scaffolds, and a unique approach to assessment that enables instructors to guide students in the development of the practices of a physicist. We present the very positive student related outcomes of the design gathered via attitudinal and conceptual inventories and research interviews of students' reflecting on their experiences in the ${\rm P}^3$ classroom

Volume

38

Issue

5

First Page

1

Last Page

22

DOI

DOI: 10.1088/1361-6404/aa7529

ISSN

0143-0807

Comments

ESSN: 1361-6404

Rights Statement

© 2017 European Physical Society

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