Introduces a pictorial, intuitive approach that allows the teaching of thermodynamics equilibrium in an introductory college physics course. (GA)

Discusses the philosophy and organization of an introductory college physics course that emphasizes laboratory experiments. Also presents a brief outline of the laboratory work. (MLH)

Describes a systematic study of skills for solving problems in basic physics. Also discusses how detailed observations of individuals were used to formulate models for problem-solving processes in mechanics and applications for teaching basic college physics or engineering courses. (HM)

Discusses the use of relatively unskilled observers from disciplines other than sciences to improve teaching performance of college physics courses which are designed for nonscience majors and engineering and science students. Included is a description of the observer roles within the classroom and in interaction with instructors. (CC)

This paper discusses new teaching approaches that are not heavily dependent on hardware, i.e., approaches that replace lectures with other activities such as small-group seminars and individualized instruction. Emphasis is placed on methods relevant to college physics education, such as the Keller Plan, modular instruction, audio-tutorial methods,…

The primary purpose of this study was to determine if self-instructional data analysis sessions could be used effectively as traditional college laboratories to reinforce students' understanding of certain principles of mechanics. The secondary purpose was to determine whether any of the 140 college physics students involved had a dependence on…

This study was concerned with the production, organization, utilization, and evaluation of an individualized program of instruction in introductory college physics. Key features of the program included an open-learning center staffed and equipped with a variety of instructional materials, and a self-paced testing arrangement utilizing a number of…

Presents the position statement of the Committee on Physics in Two-Year Colleges concerning the use of computers in physics teaching. Indicates that technical assistance is available upon request. (CC)

The problem of this investigation was to compare the effectiveness of the lecture-discussion method of instruction and the multimedia programmed method in promoting achievement in a noncredit, college level physics course. The three instructors taught 180 freshmen who had failed to achieve a minimum grade of 70 percent on a physics placement…

This proceedings contains 27 articles on improving teaching and learning in higher education. The following articles are included: "Gender Differences and Faculty Work Satisfaction," (N. Beardslee, N. White, and J. Richter); "Using Your Own Student Evaluation Form for Teaching Improvement," (Y. Bhada); "Excellence in…

This study investigated interactions between student traits and treatments. Engineering and physics majors were enrolled in either a lecture-recitation-laboratory section, or an audio-tutorial section of an introductory physics course. No significant differences were found between the two groups, but an interaction was found between two traits…

Tests the hypothesis that learning is a function of teaching methodology by comparing content achievement and cognitive development gains of students receiving concrete instruction with those receiving formal instruction. Gains for all groups under concrete instruction exceeded all groups under formal instruction. (SL)

Members of the Physics Department and the Science Education Department have combined their efforts to implement an audio-tutorial (A-T) mode of instruction in an introductory physics course for non-physical science majors. In the A-T approach, a tape-guided discussion is integrated with various student activities such as laboratory work, viewing…

This paper describes a Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) general physics course taught within the constraints of a small community college. The PSI format is described and student opinions of it are presented. (Author/CP)

Discusses the use of easily available audiovisual aids to teach a one semester course in astronomy and space physics to liberal arts students of both sexes at Queensborough Community College. Included is a list of teaching aids for use in astronomy instruction. (CC)