Evolution of Physics Instruction at ASU Robert Culbertson

Evolution of Physics Instruction at ASU* Robert Culbertson Department of Physics, Arizona State University *This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (0808790, 0108787, and 0833210).

Introductory Physics Tracks • Non-STEM majors PHY 101 Physics PHS 110 Physical Science PHS 111 Music in Motion • Life Science majors PHY 111 (113) Mechanics and 112 E&M (114) • Engineering majors PHY 121 (122) Mechanics and 131 E&M (132) • Physics majors PHY 150 Mechanics*, PHY 151 E&M** * Interchangeable with PHY 121/122 ** Interchangeable with PHY 131/132

Courses Course Number Subject Formats Target Majors PHY 101 General Physics 1 Non-STEM PHS 110 Physical Science 1, 5, 8 Non-STEM PHS 111 Musical in Motion 3, 5, 8 Elementary Education PHY 111 Mechanics, Fluids, Heat 1, 5, 8 Life Science PHS 113 PHY 111 Lab 7 Life Science PHS 112 E&M, Optics 1, 5, 8 Life Science PHS 114 PHY 112 Lab 7 Life Science PHY 121 Mechanics 1, 2, 5 Engineering PHY 122 PHY 121 Lab 7 Engineering PHY 131 E&M 1, 2, 5 Engineering PHY 132 PHY 131 Lab 7 Engineering PHY 150 Mechanics 4, 8, 5 Physics PHY 151 E&M 4, 8, 5 Physics 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Formats Lecture Hall Includes Recitation Studio SCALE-UP May include Learning Assistants Modeling Laboratory Only Includes Laboratory

Undergraduate Learning Assistants (LA) • Based on Colorado LA Model • Began Fall 2012 with Phys. TEC Project with ~4 • Continued growth to Fall 2015 with ~30 • Fully Funded Through Course Fees • Several Classroom Models ØLarge Lecture with Group Work Periods ØLarge Lecture with Group Work Day ØRecitation ØStudio or SCALE-UP with Frequent Group Work

Lower Failure Rate: Fewer D’s, E’s, and W’s DEW PHY 121 Spring Semester DEW 50% 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% -5%2007 489 783 691 1025 608 753 2008 2009 2010 Traditional 392 With LAs 583 2011 2012 Year 390 196 2013 2014 787 2015 2016