Conference Session

Innovations in Teaching Physics or Engineering Phy

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Teresa Larkin, American University; Dan Budny, University of Pittsburgh

Tagged Divisions

Engineering Physics & Physics

educationalmaterials and instructional strategies from elementary through graduate school [16].In recent years, a number of writing techniques have evolved that make use of various writing-to-learn strategies within the domains of engineering, mathematics, and the sciences [17] - [25].The use of writing in introductory classes for non-majors may be an effective vehicle forallowing students to enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Writing can alsoassist students with the identification and confrontation of personal misconceptions [26] - [27].Science classes are seen by many students to be threatening and intimidating places to be.Tobias [28] has been critical of introductory college science courses and has argued that typicalclassrooms