| Abstract |
Large introductory astronomy and physics survey courses can be very
challenging and stressful. The University of Wisconsin-Madison Physics
Learning Center (PLC) reaches about 10 percent of the students in four
introductory physics courses, algebra and calculus based versions of
both classical mechanics and electromagnetism. Participants include
those potentially most vulnerable to experiencing isolation and hence to
having difficulty finding study partners as well as students struggling
with the course. They receive specially written tutorials, conceptual
summaries, and practice problems; exam reviews; and most importantly,
membership in small groups of 3 - 8 students which meet twice per week
in a hybrid of traditional teaching and tutoring. Almost all students
who regularly participate in the PLC earn at least a "C,” with
many earning higher grades. The PLC works closely with other campus
programs which seek to increase the participation and enhance the
success of underrepresented minorities, first generation college
students, and students from lower-income circumstances; and it is well
received by students, departmental faculty, and University
administration.
The PLC staff includes physics education specialists and research
scientists with a passion for education. However, the bulk of the
teaching is conducted by undergraduates who are majoring in physics,
astronomy, mathematics, engineering, and secondary science teaching
(many have multiple majors). The staff train these enthusiastic
students, denoted Peer Mentor Tutors (PMTs) in general pedagogy and
mentoring strategies, as well as the specifics of teaching the physics
covered in the course. The PMTs are among the best undergraduates at the
university.
While currently there is no UW-Madison learning center for astronomy
courses, establishing one is a possible future direction. The
introductory astronomy courses cater to non-science majors and
consequently are less quantitative. However, the basic structure of
small groups focusing on fundamental understanding taught mostly by
dedicated undergraduates should transfer well. |