Theory
I'm afraid that no matter how hard you may try and how many and how diverse the tools you use are trying to keep today's average student interested when instructing a theory course is close to impossible. Personally though, I think that the average student has more knowledge about what we are trying to teach them than we are able to give them credit for. Yes, there are some subjects that the general student populace is going to be clueless about when they come in or may have a slight idea as to operation but that is the exception to the rule.
In my experience, students grasps the theories. The challenge is applying theory to 'real world'. Indeed the use of social media helps in this application since students learn well from other students. As an instructor, I am not offended when a student is able to learn a concept easier from a fellow classmate.
M Boddy
Ava,
Yes, increasingly, students look for and process information in non-linear formats due to the hyper-technology of the Internet. Good points!
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Dr. Reynard,
I would agree. The students are generally eager to use the newer tools as they find the access to learning new concepts easier because it is NOT linear and as such, allows the student to find their own mode to understand a topic or problem.
Ava Tausz
Online Instructor
Jason,OK. I suspect we are facing radically different situations. I felt a jolt go through me when I read your comment that there is a requirement to pass the test to continue in the program. I operate from a position in which I set the goals, design the course and set the assessment. It is clear that you do not have these benefits.
I have a list of people who would not have made it without considerable flexibility, but are now successful engineers serving society. I realize that the freedom I could exercise in their individual educational processes is not available to you. And I lament that.
Carl, I really appreciate your comment. I can respect that when given the right group of people and an interesting topic the discussion and the interaction can be great. My problem is that we have a very short period of time and it is a requirement to pass the test to continue in the program. That and it is really dry material. The other problem we have is there is not alot of technology to use in the begining of the course. We use some online material and some on disc. We are limited in what we can change about the course and use in it. I will be starting a new class soon and I have some ideas on how to try and make it more interesting. I hope to see the class get more interested and more involved in the entire course with these new approaches.
OK, Jason, I responded to this because I have taught theory essentially my whole career. I teach primarily theoretical physics.
I am not as skeptical as you. I have had classes really involved. I even got a general education course really wrapped up in Einstein's ideas for two weeks.
The cornerstone of my courses has been the midterm question, which involves blended learning. The midterm question is given to teams of students. It is designed to give them an opportunity to approach a question they have never imagined. It usually takes most of the allotted week to get their bearings. A final technical report is required in the standard scientific paper format.
As may be expected, the interaction with me during this time is open and takes the form of email or personal office discussions. Any communication with one group gets shared across the board if it seems to give hints that may be helpful.
I grade these in general terms and no longer in detail. I am after ideas and approaches. I want them to think like physicists.
Jason,
I have taught theory classes for years and have found that while some students struggle with the more abstract nature of these courses, new technology tools can help facilitate the learning and application of that material as well. Collaborative tools such as wikis and twitter and journaling tools like blogs and discussion threads can really help break down the process and engage students. I would encourage you to try some of these with your students ...
Dr. Ruth Reynard
