QuILTs: Validated Teaching–Learning Sequences for Helping Students Learn Quantum Mechanics

Abstract

AbstractWe have been developing and validating teaching–learning sequences for use in quantum mechanics courses, called Quantum Interactive Learning Tutorials (QuILTs). Here we describe the development and validation of a guided inquiry-based QuILT focusing on a Mach–Zehnder interferometer with single photons that strives to help students develop the ability to apply fundamental quantum principles to physical situations in quantum optics. We describe how cognitive task analyses and empirical investigations of student difficulties informed the development of the QuILT and discuss specific examples of how the QuILT was iteratively refined. We present the findings from in-class evaluations suggesting that the QuILT was effective in helping students learn abstract quantum concepts in the context of a Mach–Zehnder interferometer experiment. Implications for developers of teaching–learning sequences and learning progressions researchers are discussed.KeywordsPhysics education researchQuantum physicsResearch-validated learning toolsQuILTsTeaching-learning sequencesSingle-photon experiments