Workshops

Interactive Lecture Demonstrations are the most powerful way to teach the major concepts in physics. Suitable for both the classroom and lecture hall, this tool is probably the best adjustment lecturers and teachers can make to increase student understanding. Research shows that most preconceptions of physics' phenomena are in fact misconceptions. There is considerable evidence (over 100,000 student data!) that traditional lecture style teaching does not reverse this situation. In order to permanently correct their understanding the teacher must elicit their preconceptions, confront this with reality and allow the student to resolve this difference.

This workshop will show the process and invite participants to engage and practice this process. Although this process is designed to be used in conjunction with real time data acquisition and can be used in concordance with Pasco equipment and Vernier Logger Pro, it can also be used for any demonstration or problem. This process was developed by David Sokoloff and Ronald Thornton and is probably the most researched instructional strategy in Physics Education Research.

John Atherton has taught physics in Toronto for the last 5 years and also has experience teaching in British Columbia, Yellowknife, United Kingdom, Italy and Africa. He also has worked as a Mechanical Engineer (large steam turbines), Insurance Underwriter (Boiler and Machinery) and in International Development (drinking water systems). He is currently the Instructional Leader with a Physics specialty with the Toronto District School Board.