Dissertation
- (Link)There are many factors that affect how students engage in the learning process, especially when it comes to informal science education. This study examines how one such factor, the format of activity sheets presented to students, affects
- (Link) Working in groups has been shown to be an effective way to improve student learning outcomes in physics. However, there are not many conceptual models to better understand how students think about group work. We revised a previously existing
- (Link) Development and use of validated assessments in physics provide insight into student un- derstanding of physics concepts and can be utilized to track student learning across time and instructional strategies. These tools can be used to gauge
- (Link) The use and understanding of mathematics is a crucial component of the physical sciences. Much work has been done in physics education research and science education more broadly to determine persistent difficulties with mathematics. This
- (Link) While much physics education research focuses on students’ learning, this thesis explores physics faculty members’ teaching practices. This focus is needed given the role faculty play as an essential link between students and physics content
- (Link) Historically, much of physics education research has focused on whether students’ answers are correct or incorrect. This thesis presents a complementary perspective that moves beyond a dichotomous view of learning by valuing the messy,
- (Link) An accurate, nuanced capturing and characterization of student/teacher behavior inside and outside the classroom is a necessity in today’s education reform. In this paper, a new framework, called the BIAR (Beliefs, Intentions, Actions,
- (Link) Student learning in upper-division physics courses is a growing area of research in the field of Physics Education. Developing effective new curricular materials and pedagogical techniques to improve student learning in upper-division
- (Link) Physics Teaching Assistants (TAs) serve a critical role in supporting student learning in various classroom environments, including discussions and laboratories. As research-based instructional strategies become more widespread in these