CONT953: Teaching Physics in Grades 11 and 12
Why do learners think that physics is hard? How does this affect students’ willingness to take a physics course? Can you think of learning and teaching strategies that might dispel this stigma?
Imagine a safe space where students and teachers work to identify and mitigate roadblocks to learning physics before, during, and after a physics course. Problem solving in physics is an immersion in a world where not knowing what to do is commonplace, even expected. This feeling needs to be anticipated and accepted as a norm before comfortable learning of physics can occur.
In this course, you’ll have opportunities to explore ways to create a physics program for Grades 11 and 12 students that is accessible by a broad cross section of the school population. You will consider challenges students face when introduced to a physics course. You’ll reflect on preconceived notions about teacher and student expectations in the physics classroom. You will then design a first unit of study for Physics 11 to help students feel more optimistic about their chances for success in the program.
Learning Outcomes
What You Will Learn and Do
In this course you'll have the opportunity to
- develop strategies for learning about your students and their prior knowledge before teaching them
- learn about the importance of language in physics and problem solving
- explore ideologies around life-long learning for both students and teachers
- learn ways to create a learning environment that emphasizes intrinsic motivation to learn
- examine the application and purpose of assessment and evaluation in the classroom
- create a teaching philosophy that addresses students' fear of failure and promotes confidence while considering equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible (EDIA) learning environments
Assessments
Module 1
Who Are Our Physics Students?
Module 2
Exploring the Curriculum and Building an EDIA Learning Environment
Progress Update 1
Module 3
Learning Is for All
Module 4
Beyond Physics: Educating the Whole Student
Formative Assessment
Module 5
Unveiling the Purpose of Testing, Assessment, and Evaluation
Progress Update 2
Module 6
Teaching to Your Style
Module 7
Exploring and Learning Physics
Module 8
Culminating Your Learning
Summative Assessment