Spiral-curricular blended learning for the mathematics education in physics teacher training courses

Abstract

A good physics education depends on a good, transferable mathematics education. A concept for a cross-modular blended learning math course developed for the first two semesters of our physics teacher trainee study program is introduced. The course covers the important new mathematics required for the development of the conceptual understanding of the classical experimental physics mechanics and electrodynamics. It is based on three pillars: parallelism of the math topics to the physics lectures, spiral-curricularity to prior knowledge and high quality digitally available interactive materials such as interactive videos, formative tests and exercises to foster a self-regulated learning of the students in online as well as face-to-face learning environments. The blended learning math course and its face-to-face math seminars are integrated into the experimental physics modules. Results of surveys among the first two cohorts of course participants indicate that the design of the math course is well accepted and the interactive videos are very well received by the students. Initial tests on the learning effectiveness indicate a sufficient development of long term knowledge by the students.