Indicates a research-demonstrated benefit
Overview
Small group discussion of conceptual questions interspersed with lectures, increasing engagement and providing formative feedback on student thinking.
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Type of Method | Instructional strategy |
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Level |
Designed for:
Intro College Calculus-based![]() ![]() Can be adapted for: High School ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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Setting |
Designed for:
Lecture - Large (30+ students)![]() Can be adapted for: Lecture - Small (<30 students) ![]() ![]() |
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Coverage | Many topics with less depth, Requires more in-depth coverage of individual topics than a traditional lecture, so lecture cannot cover as many topics, but it is still possible to cover a lot of material by assigning reading and/or homework on topics not covered in lecture. |
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Topics | Mechanics, Electricity / Magnetism, Waves / Optics, Thermal / Statistical, Modern / Quantum, Mathematical, Astronomy, Other Science, Pedagogy |
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Instructor Effort | Low, (If suitable ConcepTests are already available, "low" is appropriate; if the instructor needs to write his/her own ConcepTests, then it requires more effort. There are many databases of ConcepTests in a wide variety of subjects.) |
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Resource Needs | Multiple choice questions and polling method. A projector, clickers, and TAs/LAs are helpful but not required. |
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Skills |
Designed for:
Conceptual understanding![]() Can be adapted for: Problem-solving skills ![]() |
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Research Validation |
Based on research into:
theories of how students learn![]() Demonstrated to improve: conceptual understanding ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Studied using: student interviews ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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Compatible Methods | PhET, UW Tutorials, JiTT, Ranking Tasks, ILDs, CGPS, Physlets, Context-Rich Problems, RealTime Physics, TIPERs, ABP Tutorials, SCALE-UP, OSP, SDI Labs, OST Tutorials, Thinking Problems, Workbook for Introductory Physics, LA Program, CAE TPS, Lecture-Tutorials, Astro Ranking Tasks, MBL, New Model Course, CPU, SCL, TEFA, CU Modern, CU E&M, CU QM, QuILTs, IQP, Thermal Tutorials, Mechanics Tutorials, Paradigms, Tools for Scientific Thinking, PI QM, M&I, Tutorials, Clickers, MOP, Responsive Teaching |
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Similar Methods | ILDs, Workbook for Introductory Physics, CAE TPS, TEFA, PI QM, Clickers |
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Developer(s) | Eric Mazur, Catherine H. Crouch, and colleagues |
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Website | http://www.peerinstruction.net/ |
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Intro Article | Peer Instruction: Engaging Students One-on-One, All at Once |