HR: 1330h
AN: ED13E-02    [Abstracts]
TI: The Physics Learning Program at UW-Madison: Strategies for Creating an Inclusive Learning Environment
AU: * Nossal, S M
EM: nossal@wisp.physics.wisc.edu
AF: Physics Department, University of Wisconsin 1150 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706 United States
AU: Watson, L E
EM: lwatson@physics.wisc.edu
AF: Physics Department, University of Wisconsin 1150 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706 United States
AU: Jacob, A T
EM: atjacob@wisc.edu
AF: Chemistry Department, University of Wisconsin 1101 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706 United States
AU: Reading, J A
EM: jareading@wisc.edu
AF: Biochemistry Department, University of Wisconsin 111 Biochemistry Addition, Madison, WI 53706 United States
AB: The Physics Learning Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison provides a supportive learning environment for introductory physics students potentially at-risk for having academic trouble or for feeling isolated at the University. Physics is a gateway course for many undergraduate science majors such as biology, physics, geophysics, atmospheric science, and astronomy, and for pre-health professions. Many students struggle with their physics courses due to factors including large class sizes, isolation and lack of study partners, and/or lack of confidence in mathematical problem solving skills. Our students include those with learning disabilities, no high school physics, weak math backgrounds, and/or on academic probation. We also work with students who may be feeling isolated, such as students from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, first generation college students, returning adults, international students, and students from small rural schools. Many of our students are also part of retention programs such as the TRIO program, the Academic Advancement Program, the McNair Scholars Program, and the McBurney Disability Resource Center. The Physics Learning Program's Peer Mentor Tutor program is run in conjunction with similar programs for chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin. We will discuss strategies we use for creating an inclusive learning environment that engages students in their learning. Such strategies include small group instruction, ongoing training of the tutors, teaching problem solving skills, and creating a welcoming atmosphere.
DE: 0810 Post-secondary education
DE: 0825 Teaching methods
DE: 0830 Teacher training
SC: Education and Human Resources [ED]
MN: 2005 Joint Assembly