Work

Physics Outreach to Improve the Conceptual Application Skills.

Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: Introduction: This study addresses the perennial pedagogical quandary of "inert knowledge" in Undergraduate (UG) physics—a critical deficit in which students struggle to functionally deploy theoretical constructs in unfamiliar contexts. Theoretical Framework: The intervention is anchored in constructivist tenets of Active Learning, leveraging the highly scaffolded Explain-Predict-Apply (EPA) cycle as its core heuristic model. Research Objectives: The cardinal objective was to determine whether the multi-modal Advanced Physics Engagement (APE) seminar elicits a statistically significant augmentation in conceptual application proficiency. Methods & Findings: A rigorous quasi-experimental pre/post-test design ($N=68$) quantified learning acquisition via the Conceptual Application Skills Test (CAST) and subsequent technical outputs, which evidenced a substantive and statistically significant enhancement for the Intervention Group. Conclusion: This outcome validates the APE model as a critical, application-centric pedagogical reform designed to maximize knowledge transfer efficacy across Higher Education domains.
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7118311515
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: