The topics presented in the course will be selected from the following, depending on your and my currrent interests and the size of the class; additional topics may be included, depending on the same imponderables.
1. Instruction on Practice. I will present practical strategies for effective communication and we will discuss the art of giving good oral presentations. The teaching of these strategies will be interactive and will demand your participation in class. Topics may include; setting the stage, the value of good contact functions, teaching and learning styles, the use of language, stimulating discussion, dealing with questions, equity issues, the use of demonstrations, technology and visual aids.
2. Writing Skills. I will use a variety of strategies to encourage the development of clarity and precision in your scientific writing. On a regular basis, I will assign short papers and will provide detailed written feedback.
3. Learning Physics. Recent research has highlighted the difficulties many starting students have in understanding concepts in physics. In order to appreciate how these difficulties may impact on presentation styles at all levels, we will review some of this research. Topics include: student misconceptions, the Force Concept Inventory (mechanics) and similar instruments (electromagnetism), Workshop or Real-Time Physics, Peer Instruction, Socratic Dialogue, etc.
4. In-class observation. I would be happy to attend any class you are currently teaching, and give you feedbacck. Just ask!
5. Additional Topics. I expect that participants will bring to this course some of their own learning goals to guide us in some different directions from those listed above.
