2002 Summer Conference Announcement Registration Schedule Call for Papers

2002 Summer Conference "Integrating Science and Mathematics Education Research into Teaching" June 23 to 25, 2002 · The University of Maine · Orono, Maine Sponsored by: The University of Maine - Center for Science and Mathematics Education Research Maine Mathematics and Science Teaching Excellence Collaborative (MMSTEC)

ABSTRACT Teaching Introductory Physics Through Problem Solving - "I understand the material, I just can't solve the problems" Ken Heller At the university, most physics faculty judge student knowledge in their introductory course by how well they solve problems. The structure of such courses, as reflected in the most common introductory physics textbooks, assumes that students learn physics by doing problems. Research shows that this reasonable approach does not seem to work. This talk will discuss the justification for emphasizing problem solving, the meaning of problem solving, the beliefs of physics faculty about problem solving in introductory physics classes, and a pedagogical framework for useful problem solving. Back to Announcement Page

Center for Science and Mathematics Education Research Maine Mathematics and Science Teaching Excellence Collaborative (MMSTEC)

This conference is supported by the U.S. Department of Education Fund for the Improvement of Education (U.S. Department of Education Award Number R125K010106) and the National Science Foundation (NSF DUE #998-7444).