Ithaca College

Physics Seminar Series - Spring 2011

Please join us for a talk on: Work, Energy, and Systems: Using Research on Student Reasoning to Guide Curriculum Development with Dr. Beth Lindsey of Penn State Greater Allegheny:

This talk will provide an example that illustrates the role that research can play in guiding instruction and the development of curriculum in the context of introductory mechanics. I will describe an investigation into student reasoning about work, energy, and systems. Student performance on written questions suggests that traditional instruction is insufficient to help students develop a functional understanding of these concepts.  Many difficulties arise that affect students’ ability to reason about the changes in energy of an extended system. The difficulties identified by research have implications for instruction at the introductory level and in subsequent courses, as well as for K-12 education. These findings have prompted revisions to existing curriculum1 and guided the development of new tutorials to address many of the difficulties identified by research. Results from three institutions will be presented to provide evidence for the effectiveness of the curriculum.    

All seminars will be held in CNS 204 at 12:10 (unless otherwise indicated). Pizza and refreshments will be available for $1. Remember to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - Please bring your own cup.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact the Physics Department at jackerman@ithaca.edu. We ask that requests for accommodations be made as soon as possible.