Physics Course Research Articles

Effects of blended learning in physical education on university students' exercise attitudes and basketball skills: a cluster randomized controlled trial.

The importance of physical education in higher education is widely recognized, as it improves not only exercise attitudes and motor skills but also physical fitness, social skills, and academic performance. However, physical education courses in Chinese colleges and universities face various constraints, such as a shortage of teachers, limited teaching methods, and insufficient resources, resulting in low student motor skills, negative attitudes toward sports, and low participation rates. This study explores the effectiveness of a blended learning model, which integrates traditional face-to-face instruction with online learning components, in improving university students' exercise attitudes and basketball skills. The research was conducted in 2022 at Luoyang Normal University in China, utilizing a cluster randomized controlled trial (CRCT) with 78 healthy first-year university students. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (blended learning) or the control group (traditional learning), and the intervention lasted 16 weeks. Exercise attitudes were assessed via the Exercise Attitude Scale, whereas basketball skills were evaluated via set shot and half-court dribbling and shooting tests. Both instructional models improved students' exercise attitudes and basketball skills; however, the blended learning model demonstrated significantly superior outcomes. Effect sizes (d) ranging from 0.57 to 1.92 indicated that the experimental group showed greater improvements in behavior attitude, target attitude, behavior cognition, behavior intention, emotional experience, behavior control, and subjective standards. In basketball skills, the experimental group outperformed the control group in set shots (d = 0.56) and half-court dribbling and shooting (d = 0.46). Compared with traditional methods, blended learning significantly enhances university students' exercise attitudes and basketball skills. Future research should explore the long-term effects and underlying mechanisms of blended learning in physical education, involving larger and more diverse samples to validate these findings.

Physical education teaching scheduling technology based on chaotic genetic algorithm.

In the modern educational environment, rational and efficient course scheduling is of great significance in ensuring teaching quality and improving resource utilization. The traditional sports scheduling methods are faced with the challenges of diversified demands and complex constraints. For this reason, the study proposes a new physical education course scheduling model after mathematically modeling the physical education scheduling model and improving the genetic environment based on chaotic genetic algorithm, and then proposes a new physical education course scheduling model. The experiment outcomes denote that the average computing time of the improved chaotic genetic algorithm is 28s, and when the number of iterations is 175-200, the optimal number of individuals is 35 at most, and the value of the optimal fitness is 9.4. The simulation test outcomes denote that the new scheduling model can reasonably arrange the course in the 5th-6th section, which meets the needs of students. Meanwhile, when the amount of scheduling teachers is 4 and the amount of courses is 5, the average utilization rate of scheduling resources at this time is the highest 82.5%. Compared with the same type of scheduling model, the new model has the highest superiority of 90.7%, the highest stability of 90.1%, and the highest robustness of 91.6%. The proposed method can meet the diversified and dynamically changing teaching needs, and provides an effective optimization tool for physical education scheduling.

Challenges faced by women and persons excluded because of their ethnicity and race in physics learning environments: Review of the literature and recommendations for departments and instructors.

Physics, as a discipline, has long struggled with pervasive stereotypes and biases about who is capable and can excel in it. Physics also ranks among the least diverse among all science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, often cultivating and fostering learning environments that lack inclusivity and equity. Moreover, stereotypes about brilliance, inequitable physics learning environments and the overall physics culture not only impact the experiences and outcomes of students who major in physics, but also those from other STEM disciplines who must take physics courses. Here we undertake a narrative review, delving into research concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion within undergraduate physics education. We concentrate on the experiences of women and persons excluded due to their ethnicity or race (PEERs) in physics, aiming to shed light on the alarming current situation. The review begins with a few concrete examples of exclusionary experiences that research shows are common for women in physics and can reduce their interest or motivation to pursue a physics major. Then, we provide our conceptualization of equity in physics learning environments and describe the frameworks informing the perspective taken in the review. We then discuss issues related to inequities in physics learning environments, including but not limited to inequities in academic performance, participation, and persistence in physics, as well as psychological factors such as physics self-efficacy, perceived recognition, social belonging, mindset beliefs, and others. We also review research on factors commonly associated with the lack of diversity, equity, and inclusion in physics including the lack of role models, stereotypes associating physics with brilliance, and the overall prototypical culture of physics. We emphasize that addressing these systemic issues in physics requires a holistic approach. We conclude with a list of recommendations for physics departments and instructors on how they can play an important role in transforming the physics culture and making the learning environments equitable and inclusive so that all students can engage in learning physics and enjoy it while feeling supported.

PENGEMBANGAN MICROLEARNING VIDEO 360° PADA FENOMENA KONTRAKSI PANJANG

Currently educators are faced with great challenges, where educators are required to develop human resources by utilizing technology, especially in modern physics learning in the era of Society 5.0. This research aims to design and develop a 360° video microlearning that is feasible to use as a learning media for modern physics courses on the topic of length contraction to support effective learning in class. This research is a type of development research using the ASSURE model. In this study, the sample used consisted of 60 respondents taken from 1 class of physics education students and 1 class of UNJ physics students. This study shows that the use of 360° videos significantly improves students' understanding of complex physics concepts and increases their involvement in the learning process. The impact can be seen from the improvement of learning quality that creates an interactive and engaging learning experience. The final product of this research is a 360° video presented using the YouTube platform and can be accessed easily by students using supporting electronic devices. The 360° video has gone through the feasibility test stage to media experts and material experts. The results of the product feasibility test by media experts with a percentage of 93.75% get the results of "Very Feasible", as well as by material experts with a percentage of 87.5% get the results of "Very Feasible".

Students’ Flow-experience in the College Physical Education Classroom

This study investigated the flow experience of physical education majors, non-physical education students, and students participating in confrontational sports and non-confrontational sports courses in Bozhou University, obtained the flow experience of the investigators, compared them with different investigators, analyzed the differences and related points, and provided suggestions for students to better produce flow experience in physical education courses. The researcher concluded that the Assessment of the PE and non-PE student in their flow experience in physical education is average.

SWOT analysis and teaching strategy of aerobics in college physical education classroom

This study delves into the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of aerobics through SWOT analysis. Aerobics offers a comprehensive workout, enhancing students’ physical fitness and promoting overall well-being. Nevertheless, challenges include a lack of awareness among students and potential issues such as insufficient sports skills. Opportunities arise in college physical education courses, serving as an excellent platform for fostering students’ holistic development. However, aerobics faces threats in teaching, such as time constraints and varying student interests. Addressing the actual teaching scenario, corresponding strategies are proposed. Firstly, there is a need to strengthen the promotion and education of aerobics. Secondly, employing a hierarchical, step-by-step teaching approach can elevate students’ motor skills. Additionally, designing engaging and challenging aerobics courses aligned with the characteristics of college physical education helps ignite students’ enthusiasm. Lastly, teachers should flexibly adjust content and methods to ensure effective calisthenics teaching. Through SWOT analysis and the discussion of teaching strategies, this paper aims to offer valuable insights for the aerobics teaching in college physical education classrooms. The goal is to promote students’ all-round development and enhance the overall quality of physical education.

Comparing attendance versus exam performance for topics within first year physics courses

Abstract This paper revisits the relationship between lecture attendance and final exam performance of students attending first year Advanced Physics classes at The University of Newcastle. The results compare attendance to non-attendance for topics within the Advanced Physics courses and indicate that, on average, students attending lectures always score higher than students not attending with variations on the size of this effect depending on topic such that the gap is generally larger for topics not covered in secondary school. This correlation may indicate the importance for students to attend classes covering new material.

Challenges in sensemaking and reasoning in the context of degenerate perturbation theory in quantum mechanics

We discuss an investigation of student sensemaking and reasoning in the context of degenerate perturbation theory (DPT) in quantum mechanics. We find that advanced undergraduate and graduate students in quantum physics courses often struggled with expertlike sensemaking and reasoning to solve DPT problems. The sensemaking and reasoning were particularly challenging for students as they tried to integrate physical and mathematical concepts to solve DPT problems. Their sensemaking showed local coherence but lacked global consistency with different knowledge resources getting activated in different problem-solving tasks even if the same concepts were applicable. Depending upon the issues involved in the DPT problems, students were sometimes stuck in the “physics mode” or “math mode” and found it challenging to coordinate and integrate the physics and mathematics appropriately to solve quantum mechanics problems involving DPT. Their sensemaking shows the use of various reasoning primitives. It also shows that some advanced students struggled with self-monitoring and checking their answers to make sure they were consistent across different problems. Some also relied on memorized information, invoked authority, and did not make appropriate connections between their DPT problem solutions and the outcomes of experiments. Advanced students in quantum mechanics often displayed analogous patterns of challenges in sensemaking and reasoning as those that have been found in introductory physics. Student sensemaking and reasoning show that these advanced students are still developing expertise in this novel quantum physics domain as they learn to integrate physical and mathematical concepts. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

PENGEMBANGAN MICROLEARNING VIDEO 360° PADA FENOMENA EFEK FOTOLISTRIK

This research aims to develop a 360° microlearning video in a modern physics course on the phenomenon of the photoelectric effect. The research uses the R&D method with the ASSURE development model which consists of (1) Analyze Learners, (2) State Standars and Objectives, (3) Select Methods, Media and Materials, (4) Utilize Technology, Media, and Materials, (5) Require Learner Participation, (6) Evaluate and Revise. However, in this study, it was carried out only up to the Utilize Technology, Media, and Materials stage. Data collection was carried out using instruments in the form of a questionnaire of initial abilities, student characteristics, interviews, and documentation to students of physics education and physics study programs at the State University of Jakarta. The results of this development research were carried out product feasibility testing by experts, namely media experts obtained a percentage achievement of 87.5% with a very feasible interpretation and material experts obtained a percentage achievement of 93.8% with a very feasible interpretation. The results of the feasibility test by experts show that the 360° video microlearning developed is very feasible to be tested on students. The final product of this research is a 360° video as a medium in accordance with the predetermined learning design. This product is published through the YouTube platform to be easily accessed by students.

Exploring the effects of a 12-Week functional training program on fundamental motor skills for primary school children aged 6–7

BackgroundFundamental motor skills (FMS) are the foundation of children’s movement. Professional guidance and customised training methods are essential to effectively acquiring and mastering fundamental motor skills. Recently, functional training has gained widespread popularity and is associated with numerous benefits. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effect of functional training on fundamental motor skills in children aged 6–7. MethodsThis study was conducted at a primary school. One hundred children were randomly selected from 382 who met the criteria and allocated to a functional training or regular physical education group, with 25 boys and 25 girls in each group. The research program lasted 12 weeks, with two weekly sessions, each lasting 40 min. The assessment of fundamental motor skills utilises the Test of Gross Motor Development and Pediatric Balance Scale. The pre-test and post-test data were analysed using generalised estimating equations. ResultsThe data analysis showed statistically significant differences between and within groups. There was a significant interaction effect of time and group on the gross motor quotient (x2 = 51.603, p = 0.001), locomotor subtest standard scores (x2 = 22.259, p = 0.001), object control subtest standard scores (x2 = 29.283, p = 0.001), and PBS balance scores (x2 = 24.881, p = 0.001). Furthermore, the main effect of time was significant for the four variables. However, the main effects of the group varied. Significant effects of the group were observed for the gross motor quotient (x2 = 8.662, p = 0.003) and object control subtest standard scores (x2 = 7.471, p = 0.006), but not for locomotor subtest standard scores (x2 = 2.558, p = 0.110) or PBS balance scores (x2 = 1.188, p = 0.276). Discussion and ConclusionsFunctional training can positively impact the development of fundamental motor skills in children aged 6–7, demonstrating greater effectiveness than regular physical education courses. These findings provide evidence that incorporating functional training into early childhood physical education can be an effective intervention for enhancing the development of fundamental motor skills.

Experiences of Undergraduate Students Enrolled in a University Instructional Physical Activity Course: Exploring Factors Contributing to Behavior Modification

Background: There is a trend of decreased daily physical activity among college students. Demands of coursework, hectic schedules, and stress often prevent students from engaging in regular exercise, leading to negative impacts on mental and physical well-being. University Instructional Physical Activity Programs have the potential to address this issue by offering courses that can encourage healthier habits and promote wellness. Aim: The purpose of this study was to analyze the experiences of undergraduate students enrolled in a two-credit elective physical activity course. Methods: Participants were 587 undergraduate students enrolled in an online instructional physical activity course. Data collection included a survey consisting of three questions on a five-point Likert scale and one open-ended response regarding their experience in the course. Results: Descriptive survey data indicated positive trends regarding participants’ experience. Based on thematic analysis, qualitative data produced four themes including (1) awareness, (2) accountability, (3) ease and convenience, and (4) behavior change. Conclusions: Participants had an overall positive response to wearing an activity tracker in an online physical activity course and believed the awareness the activity tracker provided changed their daily behaviors, enabled health outcomes, and changed future intentions for physical activity. This study provides insight into the inclusion of technology to facilitate physical activity in college-age students. Aim: The purpose of this study was to analyze the experiences of undergraduate students enrolled in a two-credit elective physical activity course. Methods: Participants were 587 undergraduate students enrolled in an online instructional physical activity course. Data collection included a survey consisting of three questions on a five-point Likert scale and one open-ended response regarding their experience in the course. Results: Descriptive survey data indicated positive trends regarding participants’ experience. Based on thematic analysis, qualitative data produced four themes including (1) awareness, (2) accountability, (3) ease and convenience, and (4) behavior change. Conclusions: Participants had an overall positive response to wearing an activity tracker in an online physical activity course and believed the awareness the activity tracker provided changed their daily behaviors, enabled health outcomes, and changed future intentions for physical activity. This study provides insight into the inclusion of technology to facilitate physical activity in college-age students.

Investigation of students repeating calculus-based introductory physics courses by gender, ethnicity and race

Abstract We analyze institutional data from large introductory calculus-based physics courses at a large public research university in the US in which the students enrolled in these courses majored in engineering, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. The data was analyzed from two introductory physics courses that are required for most of these students and they are often considered “weed out” courses in that a poor performance in these courses can severely hinder students’ long term career goal achievement. In particular, these courses can act as gatekeepers for many students and those who do not perform to their satisfaction the first time often repeat these courses, particularly if they aspire to remain in their major. We present findings by analyzing data from different demographic groups based upon gender, ethnicity and race for how likely were the students from different demographic groups to repeat these introductory calculus-based physics courses and we compared outcomes of students who repeated with those who did not. We also analyzed and found similar patterns in the calculus courses that are co-requisites for the physics courses. However, the students who failed and repeated physics courses were not necessarily those who failed and repeated the calculus courses. These findings can help physics departments contemplate strategies for providing support to help all students excel in these calculus-based physics courses so that students do not have to repeat these courses, which are pivotal for accomplishing their long-term career goals.

Why Teachers (Do Not) Integrate History of Science into Physics Courses

Why Teachers (Do Not) Integrate History of Science into Physics Courses

The Red Sports Culture is Integrated Into The Public Sports Curriculum of Colleges And Universities Evaluation System Construction And Path Analysis

The red sports culture, which was born in the revolutionary era, is an excellent traditional culture of the Chinese nation. Its inheritance and development reflects the theoretical consciousness of the coordinated development of "cultural power" and "sports power". The integration of red sports culture into the public physical education curriculum of colleges and universities is the in-depth analysis of the concept of cultivating college students' "cultural self-confidence" and the goal path of forging ahead "sports power". In this study, the literature method, Delphi method, expert interview method, analytic hierarchy process and other research methods are used to construct the evaluation system of integrating red sports culture into public physical education courses in colleges and universities, including 4 first-level indicators, 13 second-level indicators and 42 third-level indicators, and determine the weights of indicators at all levels. Finally, objective analysis and case enumerations are made according to the weights assigned to indicators at all levels. And put forward the path of integrating red sports culture into college public physical education curriculum construction.

The impact of university basketball course settings on students' physical health

With the increasing societal focus on students' physical health, university basketball courses have gradually been integrated into the educational system as an important physical education course. Basketball courses not only enhance students' physical fitness but also positively impact healthy behaviors and mental health. However, systematic research on how basketball courses specifically affect students' physical health remains insufficient. This paper analyzes the teaching content and structure of university basketball courses, their implementation, and existing issues to explore their impact on students' physical fitness, health behaviors, and mental health, and proposes suggestions for course optimization. The study finds that basketball courses have a significant effect on improving physical fitness, promoting healthy behaviors, and enhancing mental health, but there are still problems in course design, student participation, and teaching effectiveness. Therefore, this paper suggests optimizing course design, improving student participation, and enhancing teaching effectiveness to better promote students' physical health.

Introductory Physics Students Who Typically Worked Alone or in Groups: Insights from Gender-Based Analysis Before and During COVID-19

Collaboration with peers both inside and outside the classroom can be an invaluable tool for helping students learn physics. We investigated the impact of peer collaboration on learning physics by examining the characteristics of women and men who typically worked alone versus those who typically collaborated with peers in their algebra-based introductory physics course when they took the course before and during the COVID-19 pandemic when the classes were on Zoom. Our findings indicate that, on average, students who worked with peers had higher grades and reported greater peer influence on their physics self-efficacy during the pandemic compared to those who worked alone. We also observed that, for both women and men, a larger percentage of students typically worked in groups before the pandemic, while a greater percentage typically worked alone during the pandemic. We discuss these results in relation to students’ prior academic preparation, physics grades, self-efficacy and their perception of the effectiveness of peer collaboration on their physics self-efficacy.

The role of the O2O blended teaching model in improving the teaching effectiveness of physical education classes

Abstract The deep fusion of Internet technology and education is constantly pushing forward the reform of university education. Traditional educational ideas, concepts, and models cannot keep pace with the times, and hybrid teaching has become a new way of education in colleges and universities. To improve the teaching effect of physical education classes, the study used a blended teaching model and designed a teaching evaluation and performance prediction model under the blended teaching model based on an improved cluster analysis method and attention mechanism. The lab results indicated that under the blended teaching model, students’ performance increased by 12.89 points, and the level of skill mastery and proficiency increased by 26.52 and 28.55%, respectively, with grades more inclined to high score distribution. “Excellent” grade clustering increased by 77.71%, and “Good” grade clustering increased by 19.01%. The minimum error sum of squares of the improved clustering algorithm was 58.18 and 36.25% lower than the other two algorithms, and the clustering results were more relevant. The two-way attention mechanism algorithm predicted higher accuracy results and performed best on all four evaluation metrics, with a prediction accuracy of 98.23%, an accuracy of 98.42%, and an F1 value of 91.78%. This hybrid teaching model is more in line with the characteristics of the physical education teaching discipline, successfully cultivates students’ independent learning ability, stimulates students’ love for physical education courses, and achieves better teaching results.

Unskilled and unaware? Differences in metacognitive awareness between high and low-ability students in STEM

IntroductionMetacognition, or the ability to monitor and control one's cognitive processes, is critical for learning in self-regulated contexts, particularly in introductory STEM courses. The ability to accurately make predictions about one's ability and performance can determine the effectiveness in which students effectively prepare for exams and employ good study strategies. The Dunning-Kruger pattern, where low-performing individuals are more overconfident and less accurate at the ability to predict their performance than high-performing individuals, is robustly found in studies examining metacognitive monitoring. The extent to which the Dunning-Kruger pattern can be explained by the lack of metacognitive awareness is not yet established in the literature. In other words, it is unclear from prior work whether low-performing students are “unskilled and unaware” or simply “unskilled but subjectively aware.” In addition, arguments about whether this pattern is a psychological phenomenon or a statistical artifact of the measurement of metacognition can be found in the literature.MethodsStudents enrolled in three different physics courses made predictions about their exam scores immediately before and after taking each of the three exams in the course. Student predictions were compared to their exam scores to exam metacognitive accuracy. A new method for examining the cause of the Dunning-Kruger effect was tested by examining how students adjust their metacognitive predictions after taking exams.ResultsIn all contexts low-performing students were more overconfident and less accurate at making metacognitive predictions than high-performing students. In addition, these students were less able to efficiently adjust their metacognitive predictions after taking an exam.DiscussionThe results of the study provide evidence for the Dunning-Kruger effect being a psychological phenomenon. In addition, findings from this study align with the position that the skills needed to accurately monitor one's performance are the same as those needed for accurate performance in the first place, thus providing support for the “unskilled and unaware” hypothesis.

Lived Experiences and Support Needs of Students with Disabilities: A Phenomenological Approach to Achieving SDGs 3,4, 10, and 11

Introduction: This study investigates the experiences, challenges, and needs of students with special needs and disabilities, aiming to create accessible facilities that support their educational requirements. Anchored in the Universal Learning Design and Social Model of Disability frameworks, it explores inclusive practices that promote equitable access. Employing a phenomenological qualitative approach, the research gathered data through semi-structured interviews with 16 students diagnosed with disabilities. The thematic analysis revealed three key areas of concern: infrastructure and facilities, physical education courses, and student support services. The identified needs include accessible infrastructure, assistive technology, and tailored academic accommodations, integrated into the concept of a "HUB." The study’s implications underscore the importance of inclusive learning environments, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to quality education, well-being, and reduced inequalities. The originality lies in contextualizing the experiences of these students, with findings that could inform institutional policies and enhance support for diverse student populations. Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the experiences, challenges, and needs of students with special needs and disabilities to create a learning hub where they can feel supported in all aspects of their educational needs. Theoretical Framework: The study is anchored on the frameworks of Universal Learning Design and the Social Model of Disability. These frameworks focus on creating inclusive educational practices and systems that provide equitable access and opportunities for students with disabilities. Method: This study employs a phenomenological qualitative approach, as outlined by Creswell (2013), to explore the lived experiences of students with special needs and disabilities in higher education. It involved sixteen (16) student participants who were all medically diagnosed as people with a disability. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, which allowed for flexibility while ensuring that key topics related to the participants' experiences were covered. Each interview lasted for approximately 45-60 minutes and took place in a comfortable setting, both in-person or via a virtual platform. Results and Discussion: The interviews were transcribed and manually coded with three emerging themes under the experiences and challenges, these being: infrastructure and facilities, physical education courses, and student support services. Emerging themes from specific support services they need are accessible facilities and infrastructure, assistive technology and academic accommodations, and dedicated support services & counseling. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence practices in the field of inclusive and equitable quality education. These implications could encompass SDG 4 Quality Education, SDG 3 Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the contextualized experiences, challenges, and needs of students with special needs and disabilities in higher education. The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by its potential to inform institutional policies and practices that address the unique needs of students with special needs and disabilities. By identifying key challenges and support mechanisms, the study contributes to creating a more inclusive academic environment, promoting equity, and ensuring that all students have access to quality education. Additionally, the findings can help guide the development of accessible facilities, tailored support services, and academic accommodations, further enhancing the university’s capacity to meet diverse student needs.

Research on the Ideological and Political Design and Implementation Path of Physical Education Courses in Colleges and Universities under the Background of the Construction of "Four New" Majors

This article takes the design and implementation of college physical education courses under the background of the "four new" construction as the perspective, is oriented towards the talent needs of new technologies, new business forms, new models, and new industries, and takes the education paradigm of "learning-centered" as the concept to construct a new model of ideological and political design and implementation of physical education courses in colleges and universities, and systematically proposes the mechanism system for the ideological and political design and implementation of physical education courses in colleges and universities. By using methods such as literature review and dialectical reasoning, it conducts a systematic study on the key teaching problems existing in the construction process of ideological and political demonstration courses for physical education courses. The research holds that there are problems in the construction of ideological and political demonstration courses for physical education courses in aspects such as the evaluation of curriculum goal attainment, the support of ideological and political resources for courses, the embedded integration of teaching models, and the adaptation and innovation of teaching methods. Comprehensively promoting the construction of ideological and political courses is to guide values into knowledge imparting and ability cultivation, and help students shape correct worldviews, outlooks on life, and values. The implementation of ideological and political education in physical education courses helps students achieve comprehensive development in addition to improving physical skills, so as to better adapt to social development. When implementing ideological and political education in physical education courses, it is necessary to highlight the characteristics of the courses, integrate ideological and political elements, clarify the design of teaching elements, optimize the combination of teaching models, and make good use of the evaluation of teaching effects.