Title

Creation, Coordination, and Activation of Resources in Physics and Mathematics Learning

Investigators

Michael J. Wittmann, Principal Investigator; University of Maine, OronoFollow
John R. Thompson, Co-Principal Investigator; University of Maine, OronoFollow
John Donovan, Co-Principal Investigator; University of Maine, Orono

Additional Participants

Post-doc

Brandon Bucy
Brian Frank

Graduate Student

Katrina Black
Kate McCann
Zachary McIntyre
Eleanor Sayre
Trevor Smith
R. Padraic Springuel
Joel Van Deventer
Evan Pollock
Daniel Reed
Bhupendra Nagpure
Adam Kaczynski
Jeff Hawkins
Mindi Anderson
Casey Murphy
Rabindra Bajracharya

Project Period

October 1, 2006-September 30, 2010

Level of Access

Open-Access Report

Grant Number

0633951

Submission Date

12-31-2010

Abstract

This project seeks to study introductory college level courses in physics, mechanics, and mathematics. The research questions involve the processes by which students become able to use resources across contexts (such as between mathematics and physics), how ideas in math and physics form a resource network, and what mechanisms trigger individual resources or coordinated networks.

The researcher will conduct clinical interviews, small group interviews, and statistical analysis of survey questions as well as videos from classroom and help sessions. The data being collected would be analyzed for purpose of describing the development of students as they refine skills in mathematics and physical reasoning. A small group of students (15) at the University of Maine will be the subject of the study.

The outcome of this project is expected to be a "better model of student reasoning and learning". The reviewers were particularly interested in the possibly useful observations about the connections between mathematics and physics learning. Papers would be prepared for all education research associations, including physics.

Rights and Access Note

This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. In addition, no permission is required from the rights-holder(s) for educational uses. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Recommended Citation

Wittmann, Michael J.; Thompson, John R.; and Donovan, John, "Creation, Coordination, and Activation of Resources in Physics and Mathematics Learning" (2010). University of Maine Office of Research Administration: Grant Reports. 281.
https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/orsp_reports/281