Improving students’ understanding of quantum measurement. II. Development of research-based learning tools

Guangtian Zhu,Chandralekha Singh

doi:10.1103/physrevstper.8.010118

Abstract

We describe the development and implementation of research-based learning tools such as the Quantum Interactive Learning Tutorials (QuILTs) and peer instruction tools to reduce students' common difficulties with issues related to measurement in quantum mechanics. A preliminary evaluation shows that these learning tools are effective in improving students' understanding of concepts related to quantum measurement.

Highlights

Issues related to measurement in quantum mechanics are very different from measurements in classical mechanics and students usually struggle in learning about quantum measurement within the standard interpretation
When we found that the measurement Quantum Interactive Learning Tutorial (QuILT) was working well in individual administration and the post-test performance was significantly improved compared to the pre-test performance, it was administered in the quantum mechanics class
We have developed the research-based learning tools such as the QuILT and concept tests to improve students’ understanding of quantum measurement concepts

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Issues related to measurement in quantum mechanics are very different from measurements in classical mechanics and students usually struggle in learning about quantum measurement within the standard interpretation. We will describe the development of the research-based QuILT and concept tests to help students develop a good understanding of quantum measurement within the standard interpretation. To assess the effectiveness of the QuILT and concept tests, we administered the same assessment related to quantum measurement to the experimental group and a comparison group in different but equivalent classes at two similar universities. Our prior investigation shows that the students’ performance on surveys given in the upper-level quantum mechanics courses at the two universities (experimental group and comparison group) were comparable when traditional instruction was used at both institutions. We elaborate on the research-based learning tools that the students used to learn about quantum measurement

PEER INSTRUCTION AND CONCEPT TESTS

Warm-up exercises for the measurement QuILT

Outcome of quantum measurement

Calculating the probability of measuring different values

Time development of the system after measurement

Consecutive measurements

PRELIMINARY EVALUATION

Findings

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION