WG3 Learning Methodologies

EGF 2006

Present: 4 members of EG3 + 4 members of STEPS

Topics discussed:

• Multimedia

• Non-standard teaching

• Generic and transferable skills

Multimedia

Identified:

• Trivial use

• Target audience and purpose

• Virtual v real experiments

• Only choice for 'extreme' physics

• Stand alone v multimedia course

Problems

• Re-inventing the wheel

• Wealth of material

• Quality

• Translation

STEPS input

• MPTL list of recommended multimedia disseminated via EUPEN Online

• Obtain feedback from STEPS following trials

• Identify good practice

Non-standard teaching methodsIdentified

• Teaching v method of delivery

• Traditional – simple model – theory- phenomenon

• Non-standard – the opposite

• Methods of delivery – lecture, distance, PBL, peer instruction, blended, student centred

• Reasons for change – effectiveness, client

Obstacles

• Teaching v research time

• Lack of formal training

• Knowledge of educational research

STEPS input

• EPS position paper: 'promote the dissemination of educational pilot projects in physics to further best practice'– disseminate via EUPEN Online and EGF.....

STEPS recommendations to HEIs

• Recognise time resource

• Career development

• Recognise publications

Generic and transferable skills

Identified

• Importance to employers

• Teamwork, communication, project and time management

• Imbedded v specifically taught

• Physics staff v 'experts'

• Fight for physics hours

STEPS input

• Inventory

• Examples of good practice

• Pitfalls

• Disseminate via EUPEN Online