Physics Pedagogy and Classroom Practice (401-0-1)

Instructors

Bennett Goldberg

Meeting Info

Technological Institute F281: Fri 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

This course is designed to support physics teaching assistants to have the skills and knowledge to make labs, discussions and office hours effective and valuable for all students. The course provides foundational knowledge in learning and teaching in higher education together with practical skills in physics and astronomy classroom practices. Physics and Astronomy PhDs will gain the confidence to become effective, reflective and joyful instructors in their future academic or non-academic career pathways.

Learning Objectives

Learning goals:
• Discuss how the foundations of learning and teaching are reflected in physics instruction in higher education
• Reflect on learner motivation and apply techniques to advance physics student engagement in labs and discussions
• Define goals and roles for TA/instructor and explore student trust building
• Practice leading effective group work, active learning, and engaged discussions
• Reflect on and implement grading practices and grade consistently with peers
• Gain confidence in trying new instructional practices, assess their outcomes and continuously improve
• Structure a physics lesson plan with a student-centered perspective
• Access, read, and critically analyze educational literature and evidence-based research in physics instruction
• Recognize and apply pedagogical skills to communications and presentations beyond the classroom