Education Corner

2013 Learning Assistant Program at the University of Colorado
The PhysTEC project will be co-sponsoring its fifth workshop focusing on the University of Colorado's Learning Assistant program October 27-29, 2013. The Learning Assistant program is a highly supported peer teaching experience that has been shown to improve students' learning and attitudes toward science in undergraduate lecture classes and recruit talented science and math students into teaching careers. Information on the 2013 program will be published as it becomes available. For resources and more information on the CU LA Program, visit the Learning Assistant Alliance.

APS releases new poster on Quantum Information
"Quantum Information" is an attractive and informative introduction to cutting-edge quantum physics technology for high school and undergraduate students. The poster highlights how quantum mechanics could revolutionize computing, communication and cryptography. A copy of the poster will be sent to every physics department chair in August. Additional copies can be ordered online at the APS Quantum Information web page.

Physics and Instructional Resources (PAIR) Project Update
20 teams consisting of a high school physics teacher and a physicist are concluding their participation in the Physics and Instructional Resources (PAIR) project. A private donation enabled APS staff to run this teacher/scientist alliance project in schools across the United States. Teams received funds to purchase classroom equipment for the high school teacher, and the pair worked collaboratively to integrate that equipment into the classroom. Projects included building large-scale classroom demonstrations, purchasing iPads for computer data collection, and building a bicycle-powered electric generator. Participating teachers reported increased confidence in their ability to teach physics concepts as well as enthusiasm on the part of their students. 

Topical Group on Education Research: New APS unit for advancing the learning and teaching of physics
The objective of the Topical Group on Physics Education Research (GPER) is the advancement and diffusion of knowledge concerning the learning and teaching of physics. This knowledge is based on studies ranging from individuals to institutional practices, from neural and cognitive processes to social and contextual components of education, from basic research to educational practices in physics. The objectives of this research include the integration of scientific knowledge and analysis methods across disciplines to address the dynamical complexities and uncertainties of learning and teaching physics. Learn more at the GPER unit website.