Work

Developing and assessing research-based, resources-oriented instructional materials: Attending to conceptual resources in (ACORN) physics tutorials

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In this paper, we describe the development and preliminary assessment of ACORN Physics Tutorials, which are designed to elicit and build on common conceptual resources for understanding physics. We articulate our design principles and instructional commitments and how these bear out in the specifics of one ACORN Physics Tutorial about electric circuits. We describe preliminary results from research on the implementation of the circuits ACORN Physics Tutorials. Namely, we observe students’ sensemaking in real time as they complete worksheets; we document shifts in students’ performance and use of specific conceptual resources from pre- to postinstruction using ACORN Physics Tutorials; and we show that students generally perceive their ideas to have mattered as they work with their peers on these worksheets. We hope these results can inform instructor decision making about the appropriateness of ACORN Physics Tutorials for their local contexts.

Source: Physical Review Physics Education Research

DOI: 10.1103/zsqv-4py5

Authors: Amy D. Robertson, Lisa M. Goodhew, Lauren C. Bauman, Anne T. Alesandrini, Paula R. L. Heron

Institutions: Seattle Pacific University, University of Washington

Language: English

Topic: Science Education and Pedagogy

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,000