Peer Instruction: A User's Manual (Educational Innovation- Physics) (Paperback)

by Eric Mazur (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Presents an entirely new approach to introductory physics within a calculus-based conceptual and a mathematical framework. It offers an approach to presenting the material that is more gradual than existing books on the subject. Peer Instruction: A User's Manual develops the full conceptual framework of each chapter within the first section of that chapter while addressing questions common to that topic. The material in this section concentrates on the underlying ideas and paints the big picture, whenever possible without equations. The second part of each chapter then develops the rigorous mathematical framework linked to the material presented in the first part. Each chapter also includes a short set of qualitative, conceptual questions at the end of the first section designed to strengthen the focus on the conceptual framework and facilitate understanding of the mathematical framework. The book is written in a lively, engaging style that anticipates the questions readers will have, articulates them, and answers them in a direct dialogue with the reader. MARKETS: A valuable reference book for anyone desiring an understanding of physics as it relates to engineering and science.

From the Publisher
Peer Instruction is an interactive teaching style that actively involves students in the learning process by focusing attention on underlying concepts through interactive "ConcepTests", reading quizzes, and conceptual exam questions. Results, asse ssed through scores on the Force Concept Inventory and final exams, show that students better understand concepts and perform better on conventional problems in this environment. It can be easily adapted to fit individual lecture styles and used with any textboo k. Eric Mazur's Peer Instruction approach has been successfully field-tested in a variety of settings, most of them quite different from his home campus at Harvard University (e.g., University of Massachusetts--Lowel and Appalachian State Universi ty).

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Product Details

• Paperback: 253 pages
• Publisher: Benjamin Cummings; Pap/Dis edition (August 8, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0135654416
• ISBN-13: 978-0135654415
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #287,651 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A highschool physics teacher's review., August 19, 2000

By	Muhsin Ogretme (London) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you have a class of 30,40,50 or more, and/or you have problems in terms of participation of your students in lessons, or if you would like to create useful discussions in your class by which your students can develop their conceptual understanding of physics; this book will serve as a great source. There are lots of materials that can be used in the class, along with standard tests such as FCI, MBT. Eric Mazur's Peer Instruction method is a research based well functioning teaching method. I have been using the materials in my highschool physics instructions, and seen the effectiveness of them. For example, well designed quizzes which I used to test reading assignments were very useful. Highly recommended for physics teachers.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional Resource for Physics Educators, June 26, 2006

By	Chad Davies "Downhill" (Barnesville, GA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Peer Instruction is a excellent source for a number of non-traditional assessment items designed to measure a student's understanding of fundamental physics concepts.

While the book contains electronic copies of the Force Concept Inventory and the Mechanics Baseline Test, it's real strength are the ConcepTests. These one question assessment items are designed to allow the student to determine their own understanding of the conceptual foundations of the material as well as giving the instructor a way to determine the overall class understanding of an idea so that a decision on whether to spend more time covering the concept should be spent.

Additionally, there are a number of reading quiz questions that can be used at the beginning of class or in an on-line environment to encourage students to come to class prepared.

Physics educators will find this an excellent resource, especially when combined with any of the new classroom "voting" systems desgned with this sort of approach in mind. Highly recommended for physics educators and students taking an introductory college level physics course.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars IB Teacher review, January 27, 2008

By	C. Doner (Luxembourg) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The book has 252 pages of which 42 contain content and the remainder is resources. As the accompanying CD also contains all the resources, I wondered why 200 pages of the book was used for this. I expected more for the price.
The peer instruction approach is certainly a valuable method, and it is worth seeing his particular model for lessons. The questions provided are very similar to those on IB exams--which combine a very good blend of conceptual questions, and problem solving with estimations and assumptions--as such I already had very good resources in this regard. Paul Hewitt's textbook and worksheets are at a similar level of difficulty and have much to offer in terms of forming a conceptual basis for physics understanding.