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Physical Society Colloquium
the role of research Paula Heron
Department of Physics There is by now ample evidence that many students emerge from traditional introductory physics courses without having developed a coherent conceptual understanding of some important basic topics. Research conducted in courses on thermal physics, advanced classical mechanics, and engineering mechanics has helped identify some conceptual and reasoning difficulties that have their roots in introductory physics. Results from such research can provide an effective guide for improving student understanding of important basic topics and establishing a sound foundation for further study. Specific examples will be used to illustrate this process.
Friday, February 11th 2000, 15:30 |