Helping Future Physics Teachers Learn How to Engage Students in Meaningful Problem Solving

ORAL

Abstract

Learning to solve problems is an important part of learning physics. Preparing future physics teachers to engage their students in meaningful problem solving is a part of a larger set of knowledge and skills called pedagogical content knowledge. One of the most common issues that students have when approaching physics problems is looking for the ``right formula'' instead of thinking about the concepts involved. What can we do to help students break this habit and learn to engage in expert-like problems solving? Answers to this question applied to specific areas of physics are a part of physics PCK. Workshop participants will learn how to approach problems solving with their pre-service physics teachers to help them develop problem-solving aspect of their PCK.

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Authors

  • Phil DiStefano

    Hamline University, Florida International University, University of Texas at Austin, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Kentucky, APS, San Diego State University, Green River Community College, California State University, Long Beach, University of Arkansas, Aibilene Christian University, American Chemical Society, Rutgers University, University of Maryland, University of Colorado-Boulder, Western Washington University, University of Arizona, Center for Astronomy Education (CAE), ACS, Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, University of Colorado at Boulder, University of Colorado