Learning physics concepts is difficult for many students in introductory classes. Preparing for an exam is stressful since they are afraid to make mistakes. The students rely on an equation sheet and many of them search for the “right” variables in an equation and match it with the variables in the question. They try to find a pattern in a solution, rather than paying attention to the concepts a physics word problem is based on. Sketching a figure is important in visualizing and solving the problem. Many students copy an equation from the equation sheet, rather than sketching a figure that relates to the question. In this talk, Professor Mohiuddin-Jacobs is sharing how she encouraged students to make and use  an “Equation to Figure Concept Map” as they prepare for a major mid-term exam. The aim was to help students pay attention to the words of a physics word problem and sketch a figure relevant to the question. The goal was to help them identify the “correct” equation based on the sketch and concept, rather than randomly select the seemingly correct variables from the equation sheet. As an incentive to maximize student participation, she asked students to submit their concept maps as a bonus assignment. More than 60% of the students submitted their concept maps. Student feedback as well as student improved performance showed a positive outcome from using this method of preparing for the exam.

Date and Time: Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. US ET

(Nepal Time: Saturday, Baishakh 27, 2082 at 7:45 p.m.)

Where?: WebEx (Registration required for Non-ANPA members)

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