Methods and practice of teaching physics
2 hours per week * Full-year subject * Clayton * Prerequisites: Physics minor, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Applied Science or Bachelor of Engineering with a minor sequence in physics
Upon successful completion of this subject, students will be able to design, implement and effectively teach physics-based units throughout the secondary curriculum. They will be skilled in organising meaningful classroom learning experiences including theory lessons and discussions, demonstrations, experiments and student-selected research topics. This subject is designed to prepare students to teach physics in secondary schools, both as a specialist subject at Years 11 and 12 (VCE Physics) and within the physics components of science in Years 7 to 10 (including normal junior science units on light and optics, sound, mechanics, electricity and magnetism, atomic and nuclear physics, and elective units such as astronomy, astrophysics and electronics). The learning of physics concepts involves considerable conceptual change for learners. It is important, therefore, that physics method students experience first hand the implications of current theories of learning in science. This is done via an action-research project undertaken while on teaching practice. All physics method students will be expected to participate in a combined science camp to be held in March
Assessment
Seminar participation * Satisfactory completion of assignment tasks * Satisfactory completion of teaching practice
Prescribed texts
Claxton G Educating the inquiring mind Harvester, 1991
de Jong E J Physics two 2nd edn, Heinemann, 1995
White R T and Gunstone R F Probing understanding Falmer, 1994
Recommended texts
Fensham P J, Gunstone R F and White R T The content of science Falmer, 1994
Fensham P J (ed.) Development and dilemmas in science education Falmer, 1988
de Jong E J Physics two TRB 2nd edn, Heinemann, 1995
de Jong E J Physics one 2nd edn, Heinemann, 1995
de Jong E J Physics one TRB 2nd edn, Heinemann, 1995
VBOS VCE Physics study design VBOS, 1995
White R T Learning science Blackwell, 1988