Group Problem Solving Sessions (GPS) and WikiSpaces (WikiS) in Physics Classrooms

We report the combine use of Wikispaces and Group Problem Solving sessions conducted in the introductory level physics classes. This method gradually evolved from the combine use of Wikis and Just in Time Teaching (JiTT) practiced over the past years. As a part of this new method, some essay type problems, parallel to the chapter in discussion, were posted on the Wikis in weekly basis and students were encouraged to visit the pages and do the work without providing numerical final answers but the steps. At the end of each week students were further evaluated on problem solving skills opening up more opportunity for peer interaction through GPS. A class of 30 students was divided into 6 groups and each group was given one problem to solve. The problem numbers are drawn in a raffle and the answers were graded. Students developed a set of skills in decision-making, problem solving, communication, negotiation, critical and independent thinking and teamwork through the combination of WikiS and GPS. In addition, we find it as an extremely useful tool to reach students when teaching a hard science subject like physics as it makes learning the subject very stimulating, motivating, engaging and most importantly, fun.