1. “Physics is the
queen of science.”
-David Gross
Nobel Laureate, Physics
(2004)

2. TEACHING
the
QUEEN
of
SCIENCE
Sheryl Lyn C. Monterola
UP College of Education
15 May 2009

3. Presentation Outline
I. Principles of Teaching Physics
II. Teaching Strategies
III. Research-based Practices
IV. Assessment Materials

4. Foundation of Physics Teaching
CONSTRUCTIVISM
Learning becomes meaningful when
students are actively engaged in the
construction of knowledge.

5. Implications of Constructivist Theory
BIG SHIFT
• Passive • Active
Learning Learning
• Teacher as • Teacher as
“sage on the “guide on the
stage” side“
• Abstract • Relevant and
knowledge enduring
knowledge

6. Dale’s Cone of Learning
Experience

7. Basic Formula of Physics Teaching
5 E Learning Cycle
ENGAGE
•Probing prior
knowledge
• Eliciting interest
EVALUATE EXPLORE
•Assessing • Giving
learning opportunity for
interaction and
hands-on activity
ELABORATE
•Allowing students
EXPLAIN
to apply concepts •Processing
into new situations information

8. Basic Formula of Physics Teaching
Activity
Before
Content

9. Teaching Strategies
1. Graphic Organizers
- visual proofs of prior & new knowledge
KWL Chart

10. 1. Graphic Organizers

11. 1. Graphic Organizers
Radiation Concept Trefoil

12. Teaching Strategies
2. Puzzles
Wordles (Word Puzzles)

13. Teaching Strategies
3. Mental Models

14. Teaching Strategies
4. POEs
(Predict Observe Explain Activities)

15. Teaching Strategies
5. Problem-based Activities

16. Teaching Strategies
5. Models
EM Wave Model
Human Eye Model
Collichia, Wiesner, Waltner &
Zollman. The Physics
Teacher. Dec 2008
Matter Model

17. Teaching Strategies
5. Technology Integration
• Video-based Lesson
– CONSTEC Physics in Everyday Life
• Virtual Physics Laboratory
• Cellphone as teaching tool
• Data Logging
• Use of Classroom Response System

18. 5. Technology Integration
Virtual Physics Laboratory
PhET Interactive Simulations
University of Colorado at Boulder

19. 5. Technology Integration
Cellphone as teaching tool
– Falca, Gomes, Pereira,
Coelho & Santos. The
Physics Teacher. Mar 2009

20. 5. Technology Integration
Data logging
– PASCO Setup

21. 5. Technology Integration
Use of Classroom Response System
• Gives immediate feedback
• Makes class more interactive

22. Research-based Teaching Practices
Peer Instruction Method
Eric Mazur (1997). Harvard University.

23. Peer Instruction Method
Researches
• Reduces gender gap [American Journal of
Physics (AJP), 2006]
• Increases conceptual learning and
problem solving (AJP, 2008)
• Reduces number of dropouts (AJP, 2008)

24. Research-based Teaching Practices
Optimal Seating Arrangement
Monterola, C., Roxas, M.R., Carreon-Monterola, S.L. (2009). Characterizing the
effect of seating arrangement on classroom learning using neural networks.
Complexity. Wiley Periodicals Inc.

25. Research-based Teaching Practices
• Efficacy of multimedia learning modules
over traditional textbooks (AJP, Feb 2009)
• Course weblog with discussions on real-
world applications sustains students’
positive attitude toward physics (AJP, Nov,
2008)

26. Assessment Materials
Concept Inventory (CI)
Definition
An exam that explores students' mental models and qualitative
images of how the subject works1
Purpose2
To recognize common misconceptions that exist in students’ minds
Format 2
• multiple choice
• options include common-misconceptions and an answer that contains
the true interpretation of the concept
Sources:
1
Pavelich et. al. (2004). Development of a Chemistry Concept Inventory for Use in Chemistry, Materials and other
Engineering Courses. Paper Presentation, Engineering Education Annual Conference and Exposition.
Evans & Hestenes (2001). The Concept of the Concept Inventory Assessment Instrument. Paper Presentation,
2
Frointiers in Education Conference.

27. Physics Concept Inventories
• Force Concept Inventory (FCI)
• Determining and Interpreting Resistive Electric Circuit
Concepts Test (DIRECT)
• Conceptual Survey on Electricity (CSE), Conceptual
Survey on Magnetism (CSM), and Conceptual Survey on
Electricity and Magnetism (CSEM)
• Test of Understanding of Kinematic Graphs (TUG-K)
• Force and Motion Conceptual Evaluation (FMCE)

29. Summary
I. Principles of Teaching Physics
- constructivism, 5 E learning cycle, ABC
II. Teaching Strategies
- graphic organizers, puzzles, mental models,
POEs, problem-based activities, technology
integration
III. Research-based Practices
- PI, optimal seating arrangement, weblog,
multimedia modules
IV. Assessment Materials
- Concept inventories

30. Thank you.