[This paper is part of the Focused Collection on Preparing and Supporting University Physics Educators.] In this study, we analyze experience students in Learning Assistant (LA) program at Texas State terms existing theoretical frameworks community practice physics identity, explore implications suggested by these theories for LA adoption adaptation. Regression models from identity studies show that construct strongly predicts intended choice a career physics. The goal our current project to...

We provide evidence that a learning activity called Energy Theater engages learners with key conceptual issues in the of energy, including disambiguating matter flow and energy theorizing mechanisms for transformation. A participationist theory learning, which is indicated by changes speech behavior, supports ethnographic analysis learners' embodied interactions each other material setting. conduct detailed to build plausible causal links between specific features engagement we observe....

The Energy Project at Seattle Pacific University has developed representations that embody the substance metaphor and support learners in conserving tracking energy as it flows from object to changes form. Such enable detailed modeling of dynamics complex physical processes. We assess student learning by means invent explain specific real-world scenarios. Refined versions these learner-generated have proven valuable for our own teaching, physics understanding, research.

High-stakes assessments, such the Graduate Records Examination, have transitioned from paper to computer administration. Low-stakes research-based assessments (RBAs), as Force Concept Inventory, only recently begun this transition administration with online services. These services can simplify administering, scoring, and interpreting thereby reducing barriers instructors’ use of RBAs. By supporting objective assessment efficacy their courses, these stimulate instructors transform courses...

The growing understanding of the oppressive inequities that exist in postsecondary education has led to an increasing need for culturally relevant pedagogy. Researchers have found evidence beliefs about nature knowledge predict pedagogical practices. Culturally pedagogy supports students ways leverage students' own cultures through three tenets: academic success, cultural competence, and sociopolitical consciousness. If STEM practitioners believe their disciplines are culture-free, they may...

Identity development is critical to student retention in physics degree programs.Historically, research on identity has been conducted at Predominately White Institutions and largely ignoring the unique intersections experienced by Black, Indigenous, women of color (BIWOC) who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ+).In this study, we adopt theory performance better understand how multiply-marginalized students negotiate their multiple intersectional identities...

Research-based assessments (RBAs) measure how well a course achieves discipline-specific outcomes. Educators can use outcomes from RBAs to guide instructional choices and request resources implement sustain transformations. One challenge for using RBAs, however, is lack of comparative data, particularly given the skew in research literature toward calculus-based courses at highly selective institutions. In this article, we provide large-scale dataset several tools educators introductory...

Learning Assistants (LAs) have been shown to better conceptual understanding and more favorable beliefs about science than non-LAs, are likely choose a career in K-12 teaching [1]. We propose that connections between elements of identity, persistence, participation an LA program can be explained using the concept community practice its intimate relationship identity [2]. In separate work, Hazari et al. found physics was highly correlated expressed plans [3]. hypothesize thriving has many...

Traditional instruction on energy often presents forms of as a seemingly arbitrary list to be memorized, with little discussion the meaning or purpose these forms. Learners struggle make sense forms, and neither physicists nor physics educators are explicit about criteria used create lists. This article our understanding based (1) how have (2) observations elementary teachers new categorize existing in order understand real-world problems. We propose that explicitly articulating identify can...

The Algebra Project, led by R. Moses, provides access to understanding of algebra for middle school students and their teachers guiding them participate actively communally in the construction regimented symbolic systems. We have extended this work applying it professional development science (K‐12) energy. As we apply Project method, focus instruction shifts from learning specific concepts within broad theme energy gradual regimentation interplay between learners' observation, thinking,...

Existing research on underrepresented/minority students focuses mainly gender or race/ethnicity and ignores the intersection of identities women color experiences lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+) students.This is also typically conducted at Predominately White Institutions.A large number physics degrees earned by racial minorities have been from Minority Serving Institutions.This project examines personal narratives color, LGBTQ+ women, who exist these Texas State, a...

In what we call "embodied learning activities," instructors deliberately arrange for human bodies, or parts of the body, to stand in entities description explanation a phenomenon. Embodied activities (ELAs) are intended promote and externalize conceptual understanding physics, benefit learner, instructor, researcher. We describe an example embodied activity called "Energy Theater," which each participant identifies as unit energy that has one only form. Objects scenario correspond regions on...

Historically, research on "underrepresented" students in physics is conducted primarily at Predominately White Institutions and has focused two separate identities: gender or race.Because of this, the unique intersections experienced by Women Color (WoC) been largely ignored.In addition, experiences Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Queer (LGBTQ+) physicists a collegiate setting virtually non-existent.This paper will present common themes idea who does through lens WoC female LGBTQ+...

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Physics courses for science majors have the potential to improve multiple desired student outcomes by using evidence-based pedagogies that support development of more expert-like attitudes.

The physics department at Texas State University is developing a Learning Assistant (LA) program with reform-based instructional changes in our introductory course sequences.We are interested how participation the LA influences LAs' identity both as students and teachers; particular, being part of community participants' self-concepts their day-to-day practice.We analyze written artifacts from applications, reflections, evaluations; analysis informed by framework developed Hazari colleagues...

The physics department at Texas State University has completed five semesters with a Learning Assistant (LA) program and reform-based instructional changes in our introductory course sequences.We are interested how participation the LA influences LAs' identity both as students teachers; we have previously reported trends increased community involvement shift experienced concepts of what it means to be competent.Our interview data now include first-semester LAs, see significant difference...

In a course organized around the development of diverse representations, no single mode expression offers complete picture participants' understanding nature energy. Instead, we argue, their is actively constructed through simultaneous use range quite different kinds representational resources (Goodwin, 2000; Hutchins, 1995; Ochs, Gonzales, & Jacoby, 1996), including not only words and prosody but also gestures, symbolic objects, participants moving bodies in concert, whatever other...

Views Icon Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Peer Review Share Twitter Facebook Reddit LinkedIn Tools Reprints and Permissions Cite Search Site Citation Eleanor W. Close, Rachel E. Scherr, Hunter G. Sarah B. McKagan; Development of proximal formative assessment skills in video-based teacher professional development. AIP Conf. Proc. 8 February 2012; 1413 (1): 19–22. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3679983 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib...

Over the past five years, we in physics department at Texas State University have reformed our calculus-based introductory sequence by implementing a Learning Assistant program, introducing researchbased instructional methods, and increasing faculty professional development mentoring.Students all sections of these courses now spend significant portion class time small groups, often working through materials from curricular supplement "Tutorials Introductory Physics."Over this time, students'...

The prevalence of Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnoses has increased in the last two decades thanks to greater mental health awareness and access care.The number students diagnosed with ADHD entering colleges universities is also increasing, yet scholarship around effective pedagogical methods that cater this population's strengths severely lacking remains largely deficit focused.After struggling find published work on experiences adult physics ADHD, we set out conduct...

We develop a theoretical model for understanding one way, "nesting," that space is used in graphics from within and outside physics. Nesting can be to increase graphic's capacity displaying several dimensions of information, beyond the two afforded by flat page. use nesting analyze previously observed student difficulties with electromagnetic waves, predict how physics students would interact certain graphics, generate new multivariate instruction research on thinking. Finally we apply...

This study investigates differences in student responses to in-class and online administrations of the Force Concept Inventory (FCI), Conceptual Survey Electricity Magnetism (CSEM), Colorado Learning Attitudes about Science (CLASS). Close 700 physics students from 12 sections three different courses were instructed complete concept inventory relevant their course, either FCI or CSEM, CLASS. Each was randomly assigned take one surveys class other survey using LA Supported Student Outcomes...

Abstract Background Evidence-based and student-centered instructional methods hold the promise of transforming undergraduate STEM education simultaneously solving dual challenge workforce needs inequities within STEM. The Learning Assistant (LA) Model was created to reform curriculum, recruit teachers, inform discipline-based research. Numerous studies have shown positive impacts on students Assistants (LAs) in terms retention pass rates, learning outcomes, attitudinal shifts, emotional...