Enhancing Geophysics Education: Instructional Models & Implementation Strategies

1. g = Gm/r 2 Starting at the beginning - Educational Goals What should a geologist know about geophysics? More to the point - Should I teach a geologist and a geophysicist the same material and in the same way? F = ma

2. Instructivist Model - Teaching using 19th Century Tools

3. Instructivist Model: Example Exploration Using Gravity A Reductionist program taught through Reductionism • Describe Mathematical Foundations General • Describe Physical Foundations • Derive Equations for Particular Examples • Discuss Practical Consequences Particular • Apply Results

4. What Are We Teaching? Implicit Goals - Instructivist Model • Emphasizes underlying connections to, and descriptions based on, fundamental mathematics and physics. • Procedural implementation stressing derivations and linear decision structures. • Inculcates students into reductionist modes of thinking.

5. How Are We Teaching? Strategies – Instructivist Model • Learn from general to particular. • Learning accomplished primarily through memorization and mathematical descriptions, physical/intuitive insight downplayed. • Sequential access to information as dictated by reductionist/constructivist needs.

6. Can Technology Support Other Models?

7. Constructivist Model - Look at How Kids Play Baseball

8. Constructivist Model: Example Exploration Using Gravity An inquiry-based program taught through active exploration • Explore Specific and Relevant Problems Particular • Develop Intuitive Understanding of Physical Foundations • Gain Mastery of Background Material as Needed • Through Examination of Multiple Problems Develop Generalizations General

9. What Are We Teaching? Implicit Goals – Constructivist Model • Conceptual understanding of physical principles. • Mathematical development not emphasized in building intuitive understanding. • Decision-making processes emphasized that are inherently nonlinear in implementation. • Inculcates students into a system-oriented mode of thinking.

10. How Are We Teaching? Strategies – Constructivist Model • Learn from particular to general. • Learning accomplished primarily by solving problems of interest (learning by doing). • Just-in-time access to a wide variety of information as needed by students in a nonlinear way.

11. Intro GP Implementation Guidelines • Inquiry Based • Students placed in the role of geophysical contractors. They must bid on jobs, design surveys, collect data, and interpret observations • Interactive Case Study Approach • Students control all relevant decisions regarding outcome of case • Simulated Observations • Allows for quantitative error analysis, ground truthing, and assessment of cost/benefit tradeoff associated with survey design issues

12. Introduction to Exploration Geophysics – The Course

13. Instructional Design • K. Ginger designed interface and workflow • Component Implementation • HTML, Java, and JSP • Application Server Requirements • JDK, Tomcat Implementation Components and Skills • Content Knowledge - Duh!! • Technical Expertise

14. x = 10 m t = 120 min Bid = $13,950 Cost = $6320 GP311 Data Example Distance (m)

15. x = 3 m t = 180 min Bid = $25,000 Cost = $16,800 GP311 Data Example Distance (m)

16. x = 3 m t = 120 min Bid = $11,660 Cost = $22,320 GP311 Data Example Distance (m)

17. Lessons from GP311: Changing roles Not only how students learn, but ... how instructors teach.

18. Written assignments due weekly (project reports) • Respond to client questions weekly • Ask questions! Lessons from GP311: Implementation • 20 - 30 students • 12 hours/week contact time • No formal lectures!

19. No direct exposure to the predictive power of mathematical descriptions • Perception that technology makes learning easy Lessons from GP311: Limitations • Limited exposure to real, hands-on experiences • Students tend to focus too tightly on specific problems, thereby missing the big picture