Enhancing student engagement in physics using inquiry oriented learning activities

Creagh, C. and Parlevliet, D. (2014) Enhancing student engagement in physics using inquiry oriented learning activities. International Journal of Innovation in Science and Mathematics Education, 22 (1). pp. 43-56.

Abstract

The adoption of Inquiry Orientated Learning (IOL) activities has proven to be a successful way of engaging students in learning first year physics. IOL activities were incorporated into a variety of undergraduate learning environments, including laboratories, lectures and tutorials. They were trialled with students from a diverse range of majors and they were also developed to operate with, on-campus and external modes of study. Two academic staff members and several tutors involved in the IOL activities monitored their level of success as indicated by the amount of student engagement and on-campus attendance. The aim of this paper is to provide a narrative of the process of implementation in a real teaching and learning environment. We do not provide systematic data but capture the essence of integrating IOL across various elements of a range of subjects. This "soft touch" process ensured staff and departmental buy-in. The implementation of the IOL activities was found to improve student engagement within the first year physics offerings

Item Type:	Journal Article
Murdoch Affiliation(s):	School of Engineering and Information Technology
Publisher:	University of Sydney
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/22645

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