In recent years, short question-and-answer activities known as lecture tutorials that are designed to help students work with and discover concepts for themselves, rather than simply being told about them (lectured to) have become a popular tool for learner-centred teaching of introductory college astronomy. Students on such a course are usually…

Reports on the international conference on physics education held in Edinburgh, Scotland, July 29 - August 6, 1975. Provides the list of topics discussed by the working groups and notes other activities of the conference. (CP)

Suggests that the physics that students find interesting and absorbing is not necessarily that which curriculum planners think it ought to be. Finds that what is crucial is thorough preparation, equipment that works, and the support of a skilled laboratory technician. (Author/CCM)

A self-paced reinforcement program for the instruction of introductory wave mechanics is provided. Based on the Keller plan, the aims of the program were to increase student achievement and improve attitudes and study methods of weaker students. An evaluation of the project is included. (CP)

Describes a modular approach to science scheduling in use at a polytechnic institution. Along with various course alternatives, students spend one year during training in an industrial setting. (CP)

Presents some ideas about teaching electromagnetic induction at sixth form level, including educational objectives, learning difficulties, syllabus requirements, selection of unit system, and sequence of material presentation. Suggests the Education Group of the Institute of Physics hold further discussions on these aspects before including the…

Discusses the use of programmed scripts, textbooks, films, and cassette tapes to conduct a self-instruction laboratory course. Indicates the presence of marked positive effects on the development of the students' ability to plan their own experiments. (CC)

Describes some of the general principles involved in the planning of a teaching sequence. Discusses in more detail one example of a complete syllabus including major concepts and experiments. (Author/TS)

Describes a physics teaching approach used in England characterized by involving students with most of the work and utilizing teachers' time for conferences with each student about twice a week. Individual's progress was evaluated during conferences and joint sessions. (PS)

Indicates that integration between mathematics and physics must include cooperation at the planning stage and explains the use of a precedence diagram to reduce the mismatch between the two subjects. (GS)

Describes the structure of a physics course organized into independent-learning modules and designed to make use of the facilities of a Computer Assisted Management of Learning (CAMOL) package. (GA)

Describes the evolution of the seven major physics syllabi used in all secondary schools in China and analyzes the shifts of these syllabi in terms of objectives, content, instructional hours and teaching methods. Suggests changes for China's future secondary-physics education, including the need for modern experimental equipment such as computers…

A program for teaching the concepts of electric energy, voltage, and current is proposed. The ideas and concepts are introduced in a sequence that places more emphasis on some aspects that are normally treated very briefly. A phenomenological orientation, qualitative and quantitative micro- and macroscopic treatments, and the inclusion of the…

Discusses the benefits of using multimedia Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) as an alternative teaching method. CAL packages may provide more flexibility in course design, encourage student-centered learning, and help students of differing abilities and academic backgrounds. Also examines problems associated with the use of multimedia CAL such as…

Suggests the development of curriculum materials on the applications of physics to traffic accident investigations as a theme for teaching mechanics. Describes several standard investigation techniques and the physics principles involved, along with some sample exercises. (TW)