Increasing interest and awareness about teaching in science undergraduates

TL;DR

This paper presents the development and assessment of a course aimed at increasing science undergraduates' awareness, enthusiasm, and confidence in physics teaching through experiential learning and education research exposure.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive course for undergraduates that enhances teaching interest and confidence, incorporating diverse assessment methods to evaluate its impact.

Findings

Improved student attitudes towards physics teaching

Enhanced confidence in teaching skills

Positive feedback from focus group discussions

Abstract

We discuss the development, implementation, and assessment of a course for science undergraduates designed to help them develop an awareness and a deeper appreciation of the intellectual demands of physics teaching. The course focused on increasing student enthusiasm and confidence in teaching by providing well supported teaching opportunities and exposure to physics education research. The course assessment methods include 1) pre/post-tests measures of attitude and expectations about science teaching, 2) self and peer evaluation of student teaching, 3) content-based pre/post-tests given to students who received instruction from the student teachers, and 4) audio-taped focus group discussions in the absence of the instructor and TA to evaluate student perspective on different aspects of the course and its impact.