PERC 2009 Abstract Detail Page
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| Abstract Title: | Comparing Three Methods for Teaching Newton's Second Law |
|---|---|
| Abstract: | As a follow-up to a study comparing learning of Newton's Third Law when using three different forms of tutorial instruction [1], we have compared student learning of Newton's Second Law (NSL) when students use the Tutorials in Introductory Physics [2], Activity-Based Tutorials [3], or Open Source Tutorials [4]. We split an algebra-based, life sciences physics course into 3 groups and measured students' pre- and post-instruction scores on the Force and Motion Conceptual Evaluation (FMCE) [5]. We look at only the NSL-related clusters of questions on the FMCE [6] to compare students performance and normalized gains. Students entering the course are not significantly different, and students using the Tutorials in Introductory Physics show the largest normalized gains in answering questions on the FMCE correctly. These gains are significant in only one cluster of questions, the Force Sled cluster. |
| Abstract Type: | Contributed Poster |
Author/Organizer Information | |
| Primary Contact: |
Michael C. Wittmann University of Maine 5709 Bennett Hall University of Maine Orono, ME 04469-5709 Phone: (207) 581-1237 |
| Co-Author(s) and Co-Presenter(s) |
Mindi Kvaal Anderson, University of Maine |
