Western Kentucky University
Department of Physics and Astronomy

Colloquium

Paul Justice

Department of Physics and Astronomy
University of Pittsburgh

"Developing robust sequences of clicker questions using evidence-based learning strategies to teach quantum mechanics"

April 15, 2019 @ 4:00 pm in EST 260

Abstract

Engaging students with clicker questions is a frequently used evidence-based active-engagement pedagogy in physics courses because it has a lower barrier to implementation than other pedagogical approaches. Moreover, robust validated sequences of clicker questions are more likely to help students build a good knowledge structure of physics than individual clicker questions on various topics. Here we discuss the development, validation and implementation of sequences of clicker questions focusing on helping students learn quantum mechanics, taking advantage of the guided inquiry-based learning sequences in interactive tutorials on some of the same topics. The extensive research in developing and validating the clicker question sequences strives to make it effective for a variety of students in upper-level undergraduate quantum physics courses.