American Association of Physics Teachers

National Meeting Program Schedule 2011 AAPT Summer Meeting July 30-August 3, 2011 Omaha, Nebraska

Sessions and Events w/Abstracts

Date: Tuesday, August 02

Total Number of Records Found: 1

PST2C47:

Peer Instruction for Quantum Mechanics

Location:

KFC Courts

Date:

Tuesday, Aug.02

Time:

5:15PM - 6:00PM

Author:

Chandralekha Singh, University of Pittsburgh
412-624-9045, clsingh@pitt.edu

Co-Author(s):

Guangtian Zhu

Abstract:

We are developing and evaluating resource material for "Peer Instruction" in quantum mechanics. A central component of the resource material is research-based concept tests that can be used by instructors as a formative assessment tool. The instructors can use these tools for bridging the gap between the abstract quantitative formalism of quantum mechanics and the qualitative understanding necessary to explain and predict diverse physical phenomena. Asking questions during the lecture and asking students to discuss it with each other before polling the class has already been shown to be effective at the introductory level. This method provides a mechanism to convey the goals of the course and the level of understanding that is desired of students and also helps students monitor their learning. We will discuss the development and assessment of these tools. This work is supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF-PHY-0653129).

Footnotes:

None