Dr. Eric Mazur
Department of Physics
Harvard University
(1997)
PER: A Real Eye Opener
• Traditional (teacher-centered) methods of
instruction versus “informed” (studentcentered) methods of instruction.
• Many bleak results from traditional methods*
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Low student interest
Students retain preconceptions
Lack of conceptual understanding
More emphasis on memorization than understanding
resulting from “surface” learning rather than “deep”
learning. *Sheila Tobias (1990) They’re Not Dumb, They’re Different:
Stalking the Second Tier. Tucson, AZ: Research Corporation.
Mazur’s “Peer Instruction”
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Pre-class reading
Reading quiz
Lecture on selected topics
Individuals work on ConcepTests
Small group discussion
Feedback provided to instructor
Remediation as necessary
P. I. Procedure - 1
• Assign reading & write reading quiz.
• Prepare limited lecture outline (3-4
topics) from reading.
• Prepare ConcepTest questions:
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Single concept per question
Question not soluble using equations
Adequate M.C. foils (based on preconceptions)
Unambiguous wording
Neither too easy nor too hard.
P. I. Procedure - 2
• Lecture (approx. 15 min. per topic)
– 7-10 min. for lecturing
– 5-8 min. for ConcepTest)
• Demonstrations
– Not part of lecture
– Related to ConcepTest questions
• Examinations contain:
– Concept questions
– Equation-based questions
Conducting ConcepTests
• Students view question, reflect on answers.
• Students record individual responses on
whiteboard responder pads.
• Students share responses and gather in small
groups to work out detail.
• A single group response is given.
• Instructor responds to groups.
?’s about Peer Instruction
• Does P.I. really work?
• Do traditional problem-solving skills
suffer as a result of using P.I.?
• How does one deal with the “depth
versus breadth” argument using P.I.?
• How much effort does P.I. take?
Peer Instruction Resources
• Mazur, E. (1997) Peer Instruction: A
User’s Manual. Upper Saddle River, NJ:
Prentice Hall.
• JiTT also something worth checking out
• World Wide Web:
http://galileo.harvard.edu