Historical Evolution of the Field View and Textbook Accounts

We analyzed how two basic electromagnetism textooks approach the concept of electric field. We limited our study to the reasons given in these textbooks for the introduction of the field representation and to how accurate, coherent, and complete these reasons are. Because many times historical reasons are intertwined with textbooks' explanations of physical phenomena, we used the historical evolution of the field representation to guide our analysis. The analysis shows that one textbook mixes up the historical and pedagogical reasons for the introduction of the concept of field. The other one presents a sketch that might lead students to understand the field and the action-at-a-distance views as supplementing each other.     

Variable uses of alternative conceptions: A case study in current electricity

Recent research related to the design of science instruction is often based on conceptual change theory and requires assessments of what knowledge students bring to instruction. The premise of this study was that it is also important to understand when and how students apply their knowledge. Fourteen elementary and middle school teachers in an in-service physics course were asked to solve qualitatively a variety of series and parallel circuit problems and explicate their reasoning. These teachers were found to share a common core of strongly held propositions that formed a coherent, but incorrect and contradictory model of sequential current flow. Yet their predictions about the circuits were highly variable. The variability in predictions resulted from differences and contradictions in additional “protective belts” of propositions, and differences in the ways in which the teachers changed and selectively applied those propositions to different problems. Understanding the variations in not only what teachers knew, but also the differences in when and how they applied their knowledge complicated the task of designing instruction. However, it also made possible the design of more precise instruction in which the teachers were required to recognize, confront, and reconcile specific inconsistencies in their beliefs.     

Collaborative issues in cross-national research

Although the topic of research collaboration receives infrequent comment, a well functioning collaborative process is crucial to the substantive success of intercultural research enterprises. The present report addresses this topic and focuses on two major sets of collaborative issues, the personal/ personnel and the structural/organizational. The issues are organized around the phases of the project at which they optimally should be considered and resolved.     

Meeting the Demand for Leadership Development

Due to its unique, flexible structure and low cost, virtually any student can participate in the Applied Tailored Leadership Adventure for Success (ATLAS) Leadership Certificate Program at the University of Arizona.