CIRCLE research on introductory physics centers around understanding, conceptual gains, problem-solving performance, and student attitudes.
At present, we are involved in four studies:
- Conceptual Gains study
When compared with traditional approaches, do active-learning pedagogies improve student attitudes and performance in learning knowledge and skills in introductory physics? - Problem Solving study
Do active-learning pedagogies in physics improve quantitative problem-solving skills compared to traditional approaches to teaching physics? - Student Attitudes study
Do incoming student attitudes about physics predict performance in learning gains in introductory physics courses? - Knowledge Structures study
How similar to experts are introductory physics students’ cognitive structures?