Summary

Advanced physics-based courses require problem-solving skills that may include calculus, complex numbers, trigonometry, algebra, and graphical representations. Abstract concepts are often introduced to explain familiar phenomena without a bridge to experiential knowledge. This leads to confusion and the “unlearning” of material. This abandonment of knowledge may be attributed to course content lacking qualitative information. Academic institutions pack the syllabus with technical topics, leaving little class time for integrating analytical and qualitative knowledge. Many believe students would be better prepared to master their discipline if they had experience assimilating both types of information [1,2].

Given limitations of the syllabus and class time, one approach to this problem is to require students to explore qualitative knowledge on their own time, outside of class. This approach has been used in the physics classes of one of the authors [3] – and most recently in a third year course on Physical Optics. The central focus of the assignment is a term paper. This writing assignment allows the introduction of different pedagogical techniques during the semester, e.g., writing-to-learn principles (including both formal and informal writing), peer learning methods (including peer mentoring and teamwork), communication (written and verbal), and information literacy (finding and discriminating sources).

This past year the theme of the writing project focused on both the life and research of professors engaged in physical optics activities at the University of Arizona. Students collected scientific papers, reference materials, and they interviewed their subjects. The targeted reader of each report is a first-year physics student. By spanning both personal and the scientific domains the processes needed to complete the assignment allowed the students to erect bridges between qualitative and analytical knowledge. The reports are published on the world wide web [4].