To identify and describe the basis upon which instructors make curricular and pedagogical decisions, we have developed an artifact-based interview and an analysis technique based on multilayered concept maps. The policy capturing technique used in the interview asks instructors to make judgments about concrete instructional artifacts similar to…

Cites shortcomings of typical physics homework problems and encourages the assignment of open-ended problems to extend and combine patterns of reasoning. Provides examples of thought-provoking problems. (CP)

Describes a theory concerning the formation of soap films which enables this technique to be applied to problems requiring the minimization of the surface area between fixed boundaries. (Author/CP)

Analogical reasoning and learning applied to the task of constructing qualitative explanations for physical phenomena are the subjects of this investigation. Two issues are addressed. The first is how analogies are elaborated to sanction new inferences about a novel situation. This issue is adddressed by contextual structure-mapping, a…

A domain-specific information processing model of problem solving behavior in elementary electrostatics was developed. Instruction based on this model was evaluated in a large university-level physics course. The experimental design utilized treatment and instructor as crossed factors. Dependent variables included a test of problem solving…

The application of physical principles in solving mathematics problems have often been neglected in the teaching of physics or mathematics, especially at the secondary school level. This paper discusses how to apply the mechanical principles to geometry problems via concrete examples, which aims at providing insight and inspirations to physics or…

Engineering mechanics is recognized as one of the core subject matter areas of most engineering and technology educational programs. The study of mechanics and particularly the applications of problem solving to rigid bodies at rest (statics) has proven to be troublesome to students. Systematic problem solving includes analysis, synthesis, and…

The purposes of this study were: (1) to evaluate the effectiveness of audio-tutorial (A-T) instruction and (2) to identify, classify and study differences in problem solving approach using a theoretical framework derived from the ideas of D. P. Ausubel. Seventy of 420 students taking a college introductory non-calculus physics course used A-T…

Describes a concentrated course of one week duration in elementary computer physics. The purpose of it is to introduce computer physics and to show how to remove the traditional constraints on physics courses, and to gain insight into the solutions of complex problems using the computer. (GA)

Provides an introduction to Debye potentials and simplified derivations of the multipole expansions of electrodynamic fields. (SL)

The article provides an example of a project in physics concerning clocks in which gifted pupils engage in high-level problem solving while developing technical knowledge and appropriate scientific methodology. Drawings illustrate the principles taught by the project. (Author/DB)

Good problem solvers and poor problem solvers in advanced physics (N=8) were significantly different in their ability in translating, planning, and physical reasoning, as well as in problem solving time; no differences in reliance on algebraic solutions and checking problems were noted. Implications for physics teaching are discussed. (DH)

Describes a simplified method of calculating the speeds necessary to cause large relativistic changes and to determine the magnitudes of physical quantities as an object approaches the speed of light. Provides equations and two completed example problems. (JM)

Presents a sample study assignment given in a first year mechanics course that allows students to work in a simplified design mode. The assignment exposes them to an "open-ended" problem requiring a combination of creativity, analytical skills, and group interaction. (BC)