annoucer
December 1989,Vol.19,No.4
1990 AAPT/APS Joint Winter Meeting
Atlanta,Georgia
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICS TEACHERS

BA6 3:45 A Total Learning Environment-A
Format for Teaching Introductory Level Physics
Courses



                                        

John A. MacKnnon, Physics Department, Concordia

University, 1455 De Maisonneuve Blvd West, Montreal,

QUE, Canada, H3G lM8


Enrolments in science and engineering are declining at a
time when more and better physicists are required to
fuel the explosive growth in science and technology. 
New teaching techniques are needed to encourage more
young people to pursue a career in physics.  A teaching
format is described that provides a total learning environment
for students in introductory level physics courses.
Movies are shown on a regular basis.  Three
multiple-choice progress tests are given during the term,
and one multiple-choice final exam at the end.  The
exams are computer marked for shortest turn around time.
Open book exams are used throughout.  Several programs
written in Basic are given to the students as assignments
to enter and run on the computer network.  Classroom
notes are made available to all students.


Introductory courses in mechanics electricity and 
magnetism, waves and modern physics are given in this
format and are highly successful enjoying retention rates
of at least 95 per cent over a period of 4 months.