Teaching and learning physics: A model for coordinating physics instruction, outreach, and research

TL;DR

This paper presents a university physics course model that integrates physics instruction, outreach, and research, enhancing student learning and supporting community engagement through a coordinated system of activities.

Contribution

It introduces a novel integrated course model linking physics education, outreach, and research, fostering student mastery and community involvement.

Findings

Improved student understanding of physics concepts

Enhanced mastery of teaching and learning theories

Positive impact on community outreach efforts

Abstract

This paper describes the development of a new university physics course designed to integrate physics, education, research, and community partnerships. The coordinated system of activities links the new course to local community efforts in pre-college education, university education, university outreach, and research on teaching and learning. As documented both by gains on conceptual surveys and by qualitative analyses of field-notes and audiotapes of class, the course facilitates student learning of physics, as well as student mastery of theories and practices of teaching and learning physics. Simultaneously, the course supports university efforts in community outreach and creates a rich environment for education research. The following narrative describes the motivation, structure, implementation, effectiveness, and potential for extending and sustaining this alternative model for university level science education.