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Physics Colloquium
Gaining experimental independence in a laboratory course
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Europe/Berlin
H 5 (UHG)
H 5
UHG
Description
Recurrent criticisms and efforts to improve traditional confirmatory ‘cook-book’ laboratory courses can be found in the international literature over the past century. However, only very recently the physics education research community has focused on quantitative assessment of lab courses and lab reforms have integrated those results becoming more focused on specific student-centered learning goals.
In this talk, I will present how we implemented a transformation guided by research of the introductory laboratory course for physics majors at the University of Potsdam. The reformed course promotes students’ acquisition of experimental skills and expert-like attitudes. The ultimate goal is to have students gain experimental independence to be prepared for future professional and societal challenges.
During the presentation, I will detail our didactic approach, the course learning goals and describe various lab activities developed to reach those goals. Students devise measurement and data analysis strategies, design and build experimental apparatus. They also optimize the apparatus, measurement procedures iteratively, based on their experimental results. In the initial phase of the course, we utilize simple experiments (f.i. with a pendulum or spring) for building up methodological foundations. In later stages of the course, students become more independent and design and build more complex instruments such as microscopes, spectrometers and interferometers to accomplish a goal provided by instructors. In the final phase of the course, students enjoy the freedom to plan, design and implement self-determined experimental projects making use of Arduino microcontrollers.
During the talk, I will discuss the educational advantages and my experience (including the challenges) with this approach.
Organized by
Lisa Stinken-Rösner
