There are many ways to encourage active-engagement learning in the classroom. However, what is really necessary is a new approach to teaching. The Physics Learning Studio is an integrated, computer-assisted learning system that we have developed over a period of four years. It is currently offered to one section of PHGN100 each semester, and is taught in a specially equipped classroom in Meyer Hall. These are designed to be Introduction and Demonstration sessions.
Students work in pairs, using the equipment provided at computer workstations.
They learn how to form accurate descriptions of their observations using both simple and sophisticated hands-on experiments. Many activities involve real-time simulations that allow investigations of scenarios that are difficult to physically create. Considerable time is devoted to tutoring in problem-solving and structured practice. Most of the units rely heavily on the visualization, data acquisition, computation, and communication power of networked computers. The faculty instructor in the Physics Learning Studio is a facilitator and coach.