utep step program curriculum innovation
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U N I V E R S I T Y O F T E X A S A T E L P A S O
University of Texas at El Paso
Integrated Science, Teaching, and Retention (I STAR) Project
James Becvar, Benjamin Flores, Helmut Knaust, Jorge Lopez, Josefina Tinajero.
U N I V E R S I T Y O F T E X A S A T E L P A S O
UTEP STEP Program
Curriculum Innovation in PHYS 2420 and PHYS 2421
Dr. Jorge A. LopezDepartment of Physics
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Outline
• Basic data• Background• Today’s PHYS 2420/2421• Some Data• Assessment• Top Challenges
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Basic Data
• PHYS 2420 & 2421 = Calculus-based physics: • PHYS 2420: Mechanics• PHYS 2421: Fields and Waves
• Requisite for Engineering & Science students:• Exceptions: Mechanical Engineering (do not take
2420) and Biology
• Textbooks used in past and present:• Current: Young & Freeman• Past: Tipler, Serway
• Offered in Fall and Spring
U N I V E R S I T Y O F T E X A S A T E L P A S O
Background
4 hr Lecture +
1 hr Lab
PHYS 4210+
PHYS 1120
PHYS 4211+
PHYS 1121
Before 2000
4 Sections each with ~30 students
3 hr Lecture+
2 hr Workshop
PHYS 2420/PHYS 2421
(lab included)
Exclude Thermoand FluidsPHYS 2230
2000-04 Studio Physics
Laboratory experiments integrated into course material.
Mixed results.
3 hr Lecture+
1 hr Workshop+
1 hr Lab
PHYS 2420/PHYS 2421
(lab included)
Workshops with TA’s for reviewand problem
sessions
2004-08
Laboratory experiments independent of course material.
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Today’s PHYS 2420/2421: 2+2
2-hour Lecture• Large groups• Powerpoints
2-hour Workshop• Small groups (<15 students)• With Peer Leaders• Review, Q&A, demo, collaborative solution of
numerical problems, homework, quizzes
2-hour Lab• With graduate TAs• PASCO computer-controlled equipment• Recipe-like lab manual (to be changed)• Laboratory experiments independent of course
U N I V E R S I T Y O F T E X A S A T E L P A S O
Today’s PHYS 2420/2421: The lecture
• Mondays and Wednesdays 11:30-12:20.• Chapters 1–14 (PHYS 2420).• Chapters 21–31 (PHYS 2421).• 228 students in PHYS 2421.• Four 1-hour exams + final (70% of grade).• Straight review of book with examples.• No quizzes, no demos.• WebCT:
• Syllabus.• Lecture notes (PPT).• Previous exams.• Podcasts (MP3’s & WMV’s).
U N I V E R S I T Y O F T E X A S A T E L P A S O
Today’s PHYS 2420/2421: The lab
•2-hour weekly
•Graduate TA
•Own lab manual (recipe-like)
•Groups of 20 students
•15% of course grade
•PASCO computer controlled equipment
•Final exam
U N I V E R S I T Y O F T E X A S A T E L P A S O
Today’s PHYS 2420/2421: The workshop
• Peer Led Team Learning Model: • Provides an active learning environment• Uses group activities to enhance student
understanding
• Grades: 5% homework + 10% quizzes.• Undergraduate Peer Leaders• Groups of 15 students• 2-hour weekly workshop• Ingredients:
• Review of lecture• Demo• Group work of numerical problems • Discussion of homework problems• Quizzes• Reviews for exams
U N I V E R S I T Y O F T E X A S A T E L P A S O
Today’s PHYS 2420/2421: The workshop
• The Peer Leaders:• PHYS 2420: Demetrio Corralez, Daniel Torres, David Scott, Jesus Bensojo, Peter
Andrade, Brady McMicken, Toni McCulloch, David McPherson.• PHYS 2421: Denise Ruiz, Jorge Guerrero, Alejandro Carus, Jorge Alonso, Judith
Rivera, Oscar Espino, Enrique Ramirez, Corey Keith, Antony Adair, Juan Garcia, Daniel Esparza.
• Average GPA: 2.91
• Group Meetings every two weeks; individual meetings on a daily-basis
• Duties:• Prepare reviews of lectures• Set up and operate demos• Discuss homeworks• Prepare and grade quizzes• Prepare exam reviews• Hold office hours
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Some Data: Passing rates
Studio Physics 3+1 2+2
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Some Data: Grade distributions
Fall 2008: PHYS 2421
Number of records: 198Median grade: 62.55 Sc
ore
rang
e
Fall 2008: PHYS 2421
Number of records: 198Grade scale: A-F
Gra
de
Spring 2008: PHYS 2421
Number of records: 159Median grade: 70 Sc
ore
rang
e
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Assessment: Workshop evaluation
Fall 2008: PHYS 2421Population: 40 students
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Assessment: Workshop evaluation
Fall 2008: PHYS 2421Population: 40 students
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Assessment: Student survey
• Goal: Identify problems as seen by the students
• Methodology: Apply web-surveys about course, lecture and
workshop
• Resulting sample population: ~ 50 students
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Survey: About the course
Fall 2008: PHYS 2421Population: 40 students
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Survey: About the lecture
Fall 2008: PHYS 2421Population: 40 students
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Survey: About the workshop
Fall 2008: PHYS 2421Population: 40 students
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Assessment: Pre and Post exams
• Goal: Substantiate learning of conceptual and numerical
problems. Satisfy SACS
• Methodology: Apply pre-test before a topic has been covered. Cover topic in class, workshop, lab. Apply equivalent post-test after topic has been covered.
• Sample population: ~ 20 students
U N I V E R S I T Y O F T E X A S A T E L P A S O
Assessment: Pre and Post exams
Spring 2009: PHYS 2421Pre-exam
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• Goal: Quantify learning by comparison to a national sample
• Methodology: Use ETS standardized exams Use exam as part of final exam Compare to ETS’ national averages
• Sample population: Entire class (~200 students) Excludes dropouts
• Results not ready yet.
Assessment: Standardized exams
U N I V E R S I T Y O F T E X A S A T E L P A S O
Top challenges: Lecture
• Improve initial background of students: Students did not take high
school physics
• Add more value to lecture: Make students study before
coming to class
• Increase attendance: Is attendance needed? Can WebCT replace in-person
attendance? Use daily quizzes? Clickers?
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• Improve background of Peer Leaders Reduce physics misconceptions
• Improve preparation of PLs Better pedagogy Better workshop structure
• Increase retention of PLs as PLs Some last one or two semesters only
Top challenges: Workshop
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2+2 Program
• Quantify effectiveness of 2+2 method What metrics to use?
• Guarantee future continuation of program Sell idea to future faculty to implement program. Convince administrators to support PLs after
funding ends.
• Specialized training of physics PLs
U N I V E R S I T Y O F T E X A S A T E L P A S O
¡Muchas gracias!
U N I V E R S I T Y O F T E X A S A T E L P A S O
Contact Information
• Chemistry: James Becvar [email protected]• Engineering: Benjamin Flores [email protected]• Education: Josefina Tinajero [email protected]• Mathematics: Helmut Knaust [email protected]• Physics: Jorge Lopez [email protected]