The Open Agenda
The Open Agenda: Ideas a beginning physics teacher should not take for granted
is a short ebook (pdf) outlining the many habits and nuances a beginning physics teacher needs to illustrate and emphasize on a daily basis in order to then teach the physics content. It’s based on the ideas I focussed upon when mentoring new physics teachers.
The book includes section covering the teaching of:
Chapter 1: Units
Their value, use and misuse in teaching.
Chapter 2: Numbers
Some of the pitfalls students and teachers need to watch for with the use of numbers, I know that sounds strange.
Chapter 3: The math they need
It’s time to be honest with what is necessary to be successful in physics.
Chapter 4: The Equation Inventory Map
Part one of a method of problem solving I teach.
Chapter 5: GRASP
The main problem solving method I emphasize to my students.
Chapter 6: Pardon?
Details on just a few of the mistakes students make when solving problems.
Chapter 7: Baking a cake
Some suggestions for student engagement in labs.
Chapter 8: Staking your claim
How to write up proper lab reports using an investigative lab format.
Chapter 9: Expert testimony
A sample study technique.
Chapter 10: It’s not gravity damn it!
A playful chapter on that all important term - the acceleration due to gravity.
Chapter 11: Better than Galileo
An indulgence on the way the kinematics equations should be taught.
Chapter 12: The Open Agenda
A short essay on curriculum design.
This latest version is now typeset for full-page viewing in electronic readers. The previous two-page per sheet format has been deleted since it is easy enough to force printers to do print that way if necessary.
I’ve spent a good deal of time considering my options while searching for an Agent and Publisher, and in that time I became convinced that since my goal has always been to affect the way physics was taught, and subsequently to market and network myself within that community of my colleagues, that it was best to release the book at no charge.
Money is not my concern, but it may be for beginning teachers so burdening them with another cost early on in their careers seemed unwarranted. There is so much material available over the internet in the form of media files, animations, blogs, Lecture notes, Lab guides, Questions and Answers etc... I’d like to do my part by adding to that free flow of information.
The Open Agenda: Ideas a beginning physics teacher should not take for granted
(a 1.1 Mb file) is available by clicking here: TheOpenAgenda.pdf
Please share and distribute the book accordingly.
Sincerely,
John Daicopoulos