Effectiveness of introductory physics laboratory courses in supporting learning goals

Abstract

This mixed methods research case study addresses the design of introductory physics lab courses at a university from the perspective of the physics teaching faculty and students. The data from this research is being used for the development of a theoretical framework to strengthen the global need for integrated STEM education. The AAPT Physics Education recommendations for the Undergraduate Physics Laboratory Curriculum (2014) identified six focus areas: constructing knowledge, modeling, designing experiments, developing technical and practical laboratory skills, analyzing, and visualizing data, and communicating physics. Participants responded to a four-point Likert scale on each of the AAPT six focus areas with open-ended questions to further articulate their experiences with physics lab courses. Students were administered a pre-and post-survey as well as five Likert scale questions on their STEM self-efficacy. The results, as well as the development of the integrated STEM theoretical framework, will be discussed.