Deep Learning in Introductory Physics: Exploratory Studies of Model-Based Reasoning (Science & Engineering Education Sources)

Deep Learning in Introductory Physics: Exploratory Studies of ModelBased Reasoning is concerned with the broad question of how students learn physics in a modelcentered classroom. The diverse, creative, and sometimes unexpected ways students construct models, and deal with intellectual conflict, provide valuable insights into student learning and cast a new vision for physics teaching. This book is the first publication in several years to thoroughly address the "coherence versus fragmentation"debate in science education, and the first to advance and explore the hypothesis that deep science learning is regressive and revolutionary. Deep Learning in Introductory Physics also contributes to a growing literature on the use of history and philosophy of science to confront difficult theoretical and practical issues in science teaching, and addresses current international concern over the state of science education and appropriate standards for science teaching and learning. The book is divided into three parts. Part I introduces the framework, agenda, and educational context of the book. An initial study of student modeling raises a number of questions about the nature and goals of physics education. Part II presents the results of four exploratory case studies. These studies reproduce the results of Part I with a more diverse sample of students; under new conditions (a public debate, peer discussions, and group interviews); and with new research prompts (modelbuilding software, bridging tasks, and elicitation strategies). Part III significantly advances the emergent themes of Parts I and II through historical analysis and a review of physics education research. ENDORSEMENTS: "In iDeep Learning in Introductory Physicsi, Lattery describes his extremely innovative course in which students' ideas about motion are elicited, evaluated with peers, and revised through experiment and discussion. The reader can see the students' deep engagement in constructive scientific modeling, while students deal with counter-intuitive ideas about motion that challenged Galileo in many of the same ways. Lattery captures students engaging in scientific thinking skills, and building difficult conceptual understandings at the same time. This is the 'double outcome' that many science educators have been searching for. The case studies provide inspiring examples of innovative course design, student sensemaking and reasoning, and deep conceptual change." John Clement, "University of Massachusetts”Amherst, Scientific Reasoning Research Institute