A national study assessing the teaching and learning of introductory astronomy. Part I. The effect of interactive instruction

Details A national study assessing the teaching and learning of introductory astronomy. Part I. The effect of interactive instruction A national study assessing the teaching and learning of introductory astronomy. Part I. The effect of interactive instruction

Apr 2009

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009amjph..77..320p&link_type=abstract

American Journal of Physics, Volume 77, Issue 4, pp. 320-330 (2009).

Physics

Physics Education

6

Research In Physics Education

Scientific paper

We present the results of a national study on the teaching and learning of astronomy as taught in general education, non-science-major, introductory astronomy courses. Nearly 4000 students enrolled in 69 sections of courses taught by 36 different instructors at 31 institutions completed (pre- and post-instruction) the Light and Spectroscopy Concept Inventory (LSCI) from Fall 2006 to Fall 2007. The classes varied in size and were from all types of institutions, including 2- and 4-year colleges and universities. Normalized gain scores for each class were calculated. Pre-instruction LSCI scores were clustered around ~25%, independent of class size and institution type, and normalized gain scores varied from about -0.07 to 0.50. To estimate the fraction of classroom time spent on learner-centered, active-engagement instruction we developed and administered an Interactivity Assessment Instrument (IAI). Our results suggest that the differences in gains were due to instruction in the classroom, not the type of class or institution. We also found that higher interactivity classes had the highest gains, confirming that interactive learning strategies are capable of increasing student conceptual understanding. However, the wide range of gain scores seen for both lower and higher interactivity classes suggests that the use of interactive learning strategies is not sufficient by itself to achieve high student gain.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

A national study assessing the teaching and learning of introductory astronomy. Part I. The effect of interactive instruction does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with A national study assessing the teaching and learning of introductory astronomy. Part I. The effect of interactive instruction, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A national study assessing the teaching and learning of introductory astronomy. Part I. The effect of interactive instruction will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1861204