Physics Large-Course Redesign Project Introductory-level Algebra-based and Calculus-based Physics I and Physics II Courses PHYS 1101, PHYS 1102 Serve Pre-Med/Health Services programs, Biology, Engineering Technology PHYS 2101, PHYS 2102 Serve All Engineering Majors, Physics, Math, Chemistry, other Physical Sciences Pedram Leilabady, Yildirim Aktas, Awad Gerges, Aditi Sharma Department of Physics & Optical Science February 17, 2012

Back in 2010 … Reached enrollment capacity (enrollment in these classes increased by 40% over 2005 – 2010) – Enrollment: 2,500 per academic year could not accommodate enrollment increase without adding new sections  New Faculty + New Large Lecture Halls Reached steady-state DFW rates – DFW rates ~30%  40% Direct Cost: $134 per student – One Faculty + one TA (Grader) per section of 110 students Faculty taught 2 lectures of 1.25 hours per section per week 2 midterm exams and final exam

Pedagogic Goals of the Redesign Break down student learning process into multiple well-defined, small and manageable steps Define clear goals and deliverables and deadlines Require pre-lecture study and switch to more interactive learning techniques Provide a weekly feedback mechanism for self assessment Create small-group settings to encourage dialogue and discussion Access to course material available 24/7 online (lecture notes, demonstration videos, practice problems, etc.)

New “Blended-Course” Format TA-run Problem Solving Sessions Online activity In-class activity Faculty teach 1 lecture of 1.25 hours per section per week (up to 80 students) TAs cover other 1.25 hours in problem-solving session (up to 40 students)

Elements of Redesign

Results of 10 Redesigned Sections Improved quality of education – Lectures: 110  up to 80 students – Problem Sessions: up to 40 students Observable improvements in student performance – Final Exam, Test Scores, Homework; will lead to improved DFW rates – Fall 2011 DFW rates ~23% for 10 sections Positive student response – Mid-semester survey & Course evaluations Eliminated the need for additional large lecture halls Increased enrollment cap by 45% – Can now serve up to 4,000 students per year in current facilities Reduced cost per student by 31% – $92 per student (Faculty + TA-line) compared with $134

Cost-per-Student Impact – Traditional course: [ Faculty + 1 TA ] per section of 110 students = $134/student – Redesigned course: [ Faculty + 2 TA ] per 2 sections of 80 students each = $92/student – Potential to increase enrollment further: [ Faculty + 3 TA ] per 2 sections of 110 students each = $82/student still NOT requiring additional large lecture hall 100% increase in enrolment cap and 39% reduction in cost per student

Fall 2011 Survey Results

6-semester average for DFW rates: ~ 35% Fall 2011 DFW rate: 23%

Path Forward Spring 2012 semester: 20 sections being taught in redesigned format. 4 faculty plus 10 full-time TA’s. Currently have about 40 graduate students in the department. 1 large lecture hall plus 2 small classrooms. Started administering nationally accepted physics exams to test student’s understanding of mechanics and electricity/magnetism. Tests are administered in the 3 rd and the 4 th semesters on material covered during the 1 st and the 2 nd semesters respectively.

Physics Large-Course Redesign Project Thank You! Pedram Leilabady, Yildirim Aktas, Awad Gerges, Aditi Sharma Department of Physics & Optical Science February 17, 2012