Preliminary research investigating the efficacy of the pedagogical innovations described in this proposal--ConcepTests coupled with Peer Instruction-has shown very promising results. The technique has two primary goals: 1. to expose students' common misconceptions about fundamental principles via the use of ConcepTests, and 2. to rectify these notions, and promote understanding of basic concepts, through Peer Instruction. Greater understanding, in turn, leads to a greater appreciation of the material, and is ultimately expected to result in an increased interest in the sciences. An initial application of this method in introductory physics classes indicated that the program achieved both of these objectives. The initial research is being extended to quantify the results, improve and fine tune the procedures, and systematize its application so it can be widely applied in undergraduate science, mathematics, and engineering education. A parallel application of the method is being conducted at Lowell University to examine the transferability of the methods.
