Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Dec 2006
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006aas...20917010s&link_type=abstract
2007 AAS/AAPT Joint Meeting, American Astronomical Society Meeting 209, #170.10; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society,
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
Scientific paper
Large sized introductory astronomy classes (100-300+) pose unique problems to instructors because of the wide range of student background and ability. We present some of the techniques we are using in the astronomy survey course at UMass to help that wide audience develop an appreciation of the methods of science and some of the key concepts in astronomy and physics. We also present and invite discussion about the methods we have used for assessment: in-class response ("clickers"--see also related special session), online homework, surveys, and exams. In particular, we have found that classes respond best to physical demonstrations, and we comment on some ways to focus the students' attention during them. In particular, even for live demonstration the video camera is an extremely important tool. We also describe how we try introduce a sense of "experiment" rather than just "demonstration" to concepts of the tilt of the Earth, gravity, brightness, and spectroscopy. Ultimately, we are able to create a package of demonstration, lecture material, and assessment questions, that becomes a course "component."
Schneider Stephan
Stage Michael
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