#iteachphysics Archive

Bi-weekly professional development Twitter chat for physics teachers

Saturday June 11, 2016
10:00 AM EDT

iteachphysics - Moderator Jun 11 @ 10:01 AM EDT

Good morning and welcome to this week's #iteachphysics chat.
BlackPhysicists - Moderator Jun 11 @ 10:01 AM EDT

Good morning and welcome to this week's #iteachphysics chat.
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:01 AM EDT

Good morning! Happy Saturday! #iteachphysics
BlackPhysicists - Moderator Jun 11 @ 10:03 AM EDT

This week let's discuss SCALE-UP. We have with us our colleague @PaulCottlePhys who has implemented SCALE-UP in FSU physics #iteachphysics
iteachphysics - Moderator Jun 11 @ 10:03 AM EDT

This week let's discuss SCALE-UP. We have with us our colleague @PaulCottlePhys who has implemented SCALE-UP in FSU physics #iteachphysics
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:04 AM EDT

.@iteachphysics has given me a list of questions to get the party rolling here. Q1: What are main advantages of SCALE-UP? #iteachphysics
BlackPhysicists - Moderator Jun 11 @ 10:05 AM EDT

Before we get started, let's do our regular roll call. Where do you #iteachphysics and what level?
iteachphysics - Moderator Jun 11 @ 10:05 AM EDT

Before we get started, let's do our regular roll call. Where do you #iteachphysics and what level?
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:05 AM EDT

SCALE-UP harnesses power of social interactions to improve learning in a high efficiency large enrollment class #iteachphysics
iteachphysics - Moderator Jun 11 @ 10:05 AM EDT

Please remember to use #iteachphysics in all your tweets
BlackPhysicists - Moderator Jun 11 @ 10:05 AM EDT

Please remember to use #iteachphysics in all your tweets
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:06 AM EDT

Outcomes: Improved learning (double the NLG on assessments like FCI). Improved engagement, attendance and grades. #iteachphysics
iteachphysics - Moderator Jun 11 @ 10:06 AM EDT

And let me post the 1st Q to @PaulCottlePhys: What are the main advantages of SCALE-UP? #iteachphysics
BlackPhysicists - Moderator Jun 11 @ 10:06 AM EDT

And let me post the 1st Q to @PaulCottlePhys: What are the main advantages of SCALE-UP? #iteachphysics
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:07 AM EDT

And your business community would be pleased to learn that non-cog outcomes like teamwork & critical thinking are much better #iteachphysics
MissStrunk Jun 11 @ 10:07 AM EDT

Good morning! Amber from Phoenix I teach HS conceptual physics thru AP Physics c #iteachphysics
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:08 AM EDT

And...a SCALE-UP instructor can (and should) monitor interactions among students to minimize the destructive interactions... #iteachphysics
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:09 AM EDT

...that can impact the women and minority students in your classroom. #iteachphysics
MrLeNadj Jun 11 @ 10:09 AM EDT

@iteachphysics Good morning! #iteachphysics 9-12, 2 YC, & Univ. #Michigan & topics: Physics, Astronomy, FS, Physical Sci 4 Elem. Tcs, & math
MissStrunk Jun 11 @ 10:10 AM EDT

@PaulCottlePhys do you recommend same sex groups that I have heard some advocate #iteachphysics
BlackPhysicists - Moderator Jun 11 @ 10:10 AM EDT

#iteachphysics PaulCottlePhys How do we measure these things? They are major considerations in engineering education via ABET
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:12 AM EDT

Brings me to 2nd question from @iteachphysics: Besides rearranging the furniture, what else must an instructor do? #iteachphysics
MissStrunk Jun 11 @ 10:12 AM EDT

@PaulCottlePhys your saying just make sure there is more than one women in the group as opposed to having all female groups? #iteachphysics
MissStrunk Jun 11 @ 10:13 AM EDT

@PaulCottlePhys this makes more sense to me than all female groups #iteachphysics
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:13 AM EDT

.@MissStrunk I've been running all-woman groups during the last year or so. They seem to work better for me. #iteachphysics
MrLeNadj Jun 11 @ 10:13 AM EDT

@PaulCottlePhys #iteachphysics Based on the pictures of the large classrooms, it seems a bit too much for one person to monitor. Assistants?
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:14 AM EDT

.@MrLeNadj for our 63 or 72 student classrooms, we have one prof, two grad TA's and one undergrad LA. 18-to-1 ratio #iteachphysics
MissStrunk Jun 11 @ 10:15 AM EDT

@PaulCottlePhys my concern with all female groups is how do we teach women 1/2 #iteachphysics
MissStrunk Jun 11 @ 10:15 AM EDT

@PaulCottlePhys to hold their own in a conversation with men if they aren't in the same group? 2/2 #iteachphysics
BlackPhysicists - Moderator Jun 11 @ 10:16 AM EDT
#iteachphysics https://t.co/zZruF4Ucg2
- PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:11 AM EDT
  
  .@MissStrunk Rule of thumb: Never put one woman in a group with two men. 80% of the time (just an estimate) the men will ignore the woman.
iteachphysics - Moderator Jun 11 @ 10:16 AM EDT
#iteachphysics https://t.co/jwiZFrhE6e
- PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:11 AM EDT
  
  .@MissStrunk Rule of thumb: Never put one woman in a group with two men. 80% of the time (just an estimate) the men will ignore the woman.
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:16 AM EDT

.@MissStrunk I am focused on learning physics w/understanding and building confidence. Interactions with men happen elsewhere #iteachphysics
MissStrunk Jun 11 @ 10:18 AM EDT

@PaulCottlePhys @MrLeNadj wow wish I had an 18:1 ratio in my HS classes. That is great #iteachphysics
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:19 AM EDT

Every student responds differently in classroom environment. That's why it's so critical to monitor group interactions. #iteachphysics
BlackPhysicists - Moderator Jun 11 @ 10:19 AM EDT

#iteachphysics @PaulCottlePhys @MissStrunk Probably important to realize that SCALE-UP doesn't solve all problems 1/2
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:20 AM EDT

.@MissStrunk @MrLeNadj Best thing students have seen since kindergarten. Undergrad LA's are inexpensive ($1K per semester) #iteachphysics
BlackPhysicists - Moderator Jun 11 @ 10:21 AM EDT

#iteachphysics @PaulCottlePhys @MissStrunk But SCALE-UP does afford the physics teacher a view and intervention on that particular problem
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:21 AM EDT

.@BlackPhysicists @MissStrunk In fact, SCALE-UP can be very difficult transition for S's accustomed to lecture-&-regurgitate #iteachphysics
MissStrunk Jun 11 @ 10:22 AM EDT

@BlackPhysicists @PaulCottlePhys never believe there is 1 solution to all problems just believe they can be worked in tandum #iteachphysics
MissStrunk Jun 11 @ 10:22 AM EDT

@PaulCottlePhys @BlackPhysicists I have this problem in my HS classes I have to fight them to learn a new way #iteachphysics
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:23 AM EDT

What many miss re SCALE-UP:Furniture is powerful. I have seen round tables affect student behavior.But social interactions... #iteachphysics
MissStrunk Jun 11 @ 10:23 AM EDT

@PaulCottlePhys @BlackPhysicists they believe they learn better w/ lecture no matter the evidence to the contrary #iteachphysics
MrLeNadj Jun 11 @ 10:24 AM EDT

@MissStrunk @PaulCottlePhys I feel guilty stating that this is my ratio. This is why I admire all HS Tcs w/big class sizes. #iteachphysics
MissStrunk Jun 11 @ 10:24 AM EDT

@PaulCottlePhys @BlackPhysicists it's just what they are use to of course doesn't mean we don't fight to change it #iteachphysics
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:25 AM EDT

.@MissStrunk And you have to battle that impression - with care, but it's a battle. They've been successful in... #iteachphysics
MissStrunk Jun 11 @ 10:25 AM EDT

@MrLeNadj @PaulCottlePhys don't be guilty that is great! mine depends on class but range is 24:1 to last semester 38:1 #iteachphysics
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:26 AM EDT

.@MissStrunk ...lecture and regurgitate &they are uncomfortable with idea that really learning science is something different #iteachphysics
MissStrunk Jun 11 @ 10:26 AM EDT

@PaulCottlePhys exactly have to show them science is messy and beautiful not a memorization of facts #iteachphysics
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:26 AM EDT

.@MissStrunk I've seen some really angry responses from 4.0 students. But our job is to change the way they understand sci #iteachphysics
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:28 AM EDT

.@MissStrunk Here at @floridastate Physics, we named the anger The [blank] Effect after a 4.0 student who never forgave us... #iteachphysics
MrLeNadj Jun 11 @ 10:28 AM EDT

@MissStrunk @PaulCottlePhys God bless your heart! I experienced 38:1 in some of my old Univ. courses. It's tough 4 learning. #iteachphysics
MissStrunk Jun 11 @ 10:28 AM EDT
@PaulCottlePhys occasionally get angry parents have to explain why this is a better way to learn sci #iteachphysics https://t.co/Bk6ysl0z1v
- PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:26 AM EDT
  
  .@MissStrunk ...lecture and regurgitate &they are uncomfortable with idea that really learning science is something different #iteachphysics
iteachphysics - Moderator Jun 11 @ 10:28 AM EDT

Are there other STEM disciplines where SCALE-UP has been implemented? #iteachphysics @PaulCottlePhys
BlackPhysicists - Moderator Jun 11 @ 10:28 AM EDT

Are there other STEM disciplines where SCALE-UP has been implemented? #iteachphysics @PaulCottlePhys
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:28 AM EDT

.@MissStrunk ...for making her a better scientist #iteachphysics
MissStrunk Jun 11 @ 10:29 AM EDT

@MrLeNadj it's horrible for teaching and learning I was not excited. #iteachphysics
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:29 AM EDT

.@MissStrunk At the college level, we get to ignore the parent complaints. But you can't in HS. #iteachphysics
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:30 AM EDT

.@MissStrunk That is why Principal support is so critical in HS. #iteachphysics
MissStrunk Jun 11 @ 10:30 AM EDT

@PaulCottlePhys I can usually at least counter act them with enough data that shows we are doing what is right. #iteachphysics
MrLeNadj Jun 11 @ 10:31 AM EDT

@MissStrunk @PaulCottlePhys @BlackPhysicists The inertia of this thinking mode is hard to fight. But, in #math it's harder. #iteachphysics
MissStrunk Jun 11 @ 10:31 AM EDT

I am curious on how modeling and scale-up differ and are similar #iteachphysics
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:31 AM EDT

.@MissStrunk Fantastic if that works. Data don't always carry the day with humans. Hang in there. #iteachphysics
MrLeNadj Jun 11 @ 10:32 AM EDT
I had the same exact thought. #iteachphysics https://t.co/3suuhCebmA
- MissStrunk Jun 11 @ 10:31 AM EDT
  
  I am curious on how modeling and scale-up differ and are similar #iteachphysics
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:33 AM EDT

.@MrLeNadj I'm afraid my own experience is limited to physics. Beichner could steer to schools where math taught in SCALE-UP #iteachphysics
MissStrunk Jun 11 @ 10:33 AM EDT

I'll be honest I am not a huge modeling fans so interested what other options are out there #iteachphysics
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:34 AM EDT

.@MissStrunk We use Modeling exercises in our SCALE-UP classes. But I've never been in a real Modeling environment. #iteachphysics
nuclear94 Jun 11 @ 10:35 AM EDT

@MissStrunk #iteachphysics I think modeling is very important. It teaches the skills that students all actually use later
BlackPhysicists - Moderator Jun 11 @ 10:35 AM EDT

+@PaulCottlePhys do we need a large-scale expt re SCALE-UP implementation that maybe @APSPhysics and @AAPTHQ could organize? #iteachphysics
iteachphysics - Moderator Jun 11 @ 10:35 AM EDT

+@PaulCottlePhys do we need a large-scale expt re SCALE-UP implementation that maybe @APSPhysics and @AAPTHQ could organize? #iteachphysics
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:36 AM EDT

.@BlackPhysicists There is so much data out there supporting SCALE-UP, with >250 postsecondary institutions and some HS's. #iteachphysics
MrLeNadj Jun 11 @ 10:36 AM EDT
Sure, why not? #iteachphysics https://t.co/SPL2yPlvs9
- iteachphysics - Moderator Jun 11 @ 10:35 AM EDT
  
  +@PaulCottlePhys do we need a large-scale expt re SCALE-UP implementation that maybe @APSPhysics and @AAPTHQ could organize? #iteachphysics
MissStrunk Jun 11 @ 10:37 AM EDT

@PaulCottlePhys @BlackPhysicists I would love to see any paper about HS in particular #iteachphysics
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:37 AM EDT

.@BlackPhysicists Development is really over. The challenge is now the broad one of overcoming cultural inertia. #iteachphysics
MissStrunk Jun 11 @ 10:37 AM EDT

@PaulCottlePhys I do similar in my HS I utilize some modeling but we are not pure modeling #iteachphysics
MissStrunk Jun 11 @ 10:38 AM EDT

@nuclear94 I should clarify I am not a fan of Modeling as it is advocated by many Modelers in freshmen (HS) phys #iteachphysics
MissStrunk Jun 11 @ 10:39 AM EDT

@nuclear94 I agree with some modeling principles and lessons I do not believe in a pure modeling classroom #iteachphysics
BlackPhysicists - Moderator Jun 11 @ 10:39 AM EDT

+@MissStrunk @PaulCottlePhys #iteachphysics I think there is a paper on SCALE-UP at #AAPTSM16
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:39 AM EDT

.@BlackPhysicists Cultural inertia from colleagues, students, advisors, administrators, policy-makers. #iteachphysics
nuclear94 Jun 11 @ 10:40 AM EDT

@MissStrunk No, 100% of anything rarely works. Life has nuance. #iteachphysics
MissStrunk Jun 11 @ 10:40 AM EDT

@nuclear94 we utilize many forms of learning in our class #iteachphysics
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:40 AM EDT

.@BlackPhysicists Had conversation this week with state university system regulators about classroom size regs.... #iteachphysics
nuclear94 Jun 11 @ 10:40 AM EDT

@MissStrunk that is usually the best way to go. #iteachphysics
MrLeNadj Jun 11 @ 10:41 AM EDT

@PaulCottlePhys @BlackPhysicists Apparently, I designed my new #iteachphysics room to be SCALE-UP w/out knowing it! https://t.co/aRq4WLa48M
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:41 AM EDT

.@BlackPhysicists ...regulators concluded that SCALE-UP should have its own set of regs, different from labs & lecture halls #iteachphysics
MissStrunk Jun 11 @ 10:41 AM EDT

@PaulCottlePhys @BlackPhysicists and this is the hardest battle at all levels. "we have always done it this way so..." #iteachphysics
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:42 AM EDT

.@MrLeNadj Whatever facilitates social interactions among students and between students and instructors can be SCALE-UP #iteachphysics
BlackPhysicists - Moderator Jun 11 @ 10:42 AM EDT

+@PaulCottlePhys #iteachphysics So at this point we need more evangelism for SCALE-UP w @NASSP @CCSSO @NSTA et al
MissStrunk Jun 11 @ 10:43 AM EDT

@nuclear94 have to say my interaction on Twitter etc has changed my view on Modelers as there are many more nuanced advocates #iteachphysics
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:43 AM EDT

.@BlackPhysicists Problem is that organizations like that afraid to step on toes of members who are not already converts. #iteachphysics
MrLeNadj Jun 11 @ 10:43 AM EDT
Variety is the spice of #physicsed! #iteachphysics using different methods but 4 now I love #modphys the most! https://t.co/czriDTn0ni
- nuclear94 Jun 11 @ 10:40 AM EDT
  
  @MissStrunk No, 100% of anything rarely works. Life has nuance. #iteachphysics
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:44 AM EDT

.@nuclear94 @MissStrunk I make little progress with maybe a quarter of my students every semester. #iteachphysics
nuclear94 Jun 11 @ 10:45 AM EDT

@MissStrunk tell me about it, I deal with overzealous 100% of something nutters daily. #iteachphysics
BlackPhysicists - Moderator Jun 11 @ 10:45 AM EDT

+@PaulCottlePhys I notice the computers on the Ss tables. What programs/apps do you use? #iteachphysics
iteachphysics - Moderator Jun 11 @ 10:45 AM EDT

+@PaulCottlePhys I notice the computers on the Ss tables. What programs/apps do you use? #iteachphysics
nuclear94 Jun 11 @ 10:45 AM EDT

@PaulCottlePhys @MissStrunk wow. That is a high number #iteachphysics
iteachphysics - Moderator Jun 11 @ 10:46 AM EDT

+@PaulCottlePhys What features of textbooks work best in SCALE-UP? #iteachphysics
BlackPhysicists - Moderator Jun 11 @ 10:46 AM EDT

+@PaulCottlePhys What features of textbooks work best in SCALE-UP? #iteachphysics
MissStrunk Jun 11 @ 10:46 AM EDT

@PaulCottlePhys @BlackPhysicists have to fight that we need to speak out for best practices no matter who's toes we step on #iteachphysics
MrLeNadj Jun 11 @ 10:46 AM EDT

@PaulCottlePhys @nuclear94 @MissStrunk What do you consider little progress? Examples to share? TY #iteachphysics
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:46 AM EDT

.@BlackPhysicists We use Pasco equipment and software. Vernier is just as good. Also use satellite orbit app and other stuff #iteachphysics
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:47 AM EDT

.@MrLeNadj I failed with a whole classroom of biology majors once. Never could convince them that physics was relevant. #iteachphysics
MissStrunk Jun 11 @ 10:47 AM EDT

@nuclear94 I wonder if they realize how much they can negatively impact their cause by behaving that way #iteachphysics
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:48 AM EDT

.@MrLeNadj So my colleague Simon Capstick adapted physics-for-biology course from UMd to SCALE-UP and has had great success #iteachphysics
BlackPhysicists - Moderator Jun 11 @ 10:48 AM EDT

+@PaulCottlePhys Is the lab a separate course and room, or do you integrate both components w/ SCALE-UP? #iteachphysics
iteachphysics - Moderator Jun 11 @ 10:48 AM EDT

+@PaulCottlePhys Is the lab a separate course and room, or do you integrate both components w/ SCALE-UP? #iteachphysics
MissStrunk Jun 11 @ 10:49 AM EDT

@PaulCottlePhys @MrLeNadj is that a failure of scale-up or a failure of the types of questions used? #iteachphysics
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:49 AM EDT

.@BlackPhysicists I like Randy Knight's book, and we all use it here. I use Mastering Physics (at Randy's suggestion) #iteachphysics
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:50 AM EDT

.@iteachphysics Everything in a single room in SCALE-UP: Five minute lectures start our 3 hours classes. #iteachphysics
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:51 AM EDT

.@iteachphysics Our 3 hours classes generally labs on Mondays and collaborative problem-solving on Wednesdays.But not always #iteachphysics
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:52 AM EDT

.@iteachphysics The 3 hour blocks can be a scheduling obstacle for students. #iteachphysics
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:53 AM EDT

.@shermandorn - an ed historian and adminstrator from ASU just chimed in. Hi, Sherman! #iteachphysics
nuclear94 Jun 11 @ 10:54 AM EDT

@MissStrunk Never underestimate the obliviousness of a true believer #iteachphysics
MrLeNadj Jun 11 @ 10:54 AM EDT

@PaulCottlePhys @iteachphysics Especially at the HS level. #iteachphysics
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:54 AM EDT

Dept chair and Dean support are critical. SCALE-UP program at another FL public university was just terminated by the Dean #iteachphysics
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:55 AM EDT

.@MrLeNadj Block scheduling can help at HS level, but not always an option #iteachphysics
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:56 AM EDT

.@MrLeNadj 1.5 hours a heckuva lot better than 45 minutes! #iteachphysics
MrLeNadj Jun 11 @ 10:57 AM EDT

@nuclear94 @MissStrunk Extremism in any aspect of life is harmful even in #education & #physicsed. #Moderation is a virtue! #iteachphysics
iteachphysics - Moderator Jun 11 @ 10:57 AM EDT

We're coming up to the end of our hour. @PaulCottlePhys what's a 1st step to implement SCALE-UP say for next academic year? #iteachphysics
BlackPhysicists - Moderator Jun 11 @ 10:57 AM EDT

We're coming up to the end of our hour. @PaulCottlePhys what's a 1st step to implement SCALE-UP say for next academic year? #iteachphysics
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:58 AM EDT

Tough to push genuine reform. Hang in there, be careful, but never give up. #iteachphysics
MissStrunk Jun 11 @ 10:58 AM EDT

@PaulCottlePhys @MrLeNadj I don't know how I would teach in 45 minutes. Block is amazing for science #iteachphysics
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:58 AM EDT

.@iteachphysics Start by talking with your dept head and Principal/Dean. Say you can change your students' STEM trajectories. #iteachphysics
MrLeNadj Jun 11 @ 10:59 AM EDT

@PaulCottlePhys #iteachphysics Concur; any relatively lengthy period would help any activity-based & student-centered approach to learning.
PaulCottlePhys Jun 11 @ 10:59 AM EDT

.@iteachphysics Win them over! #iteachphysics