The Modeling Instruction Program is dedicated to
This page serves as a portal to various components of the program. The approach to reform of curriculum design and teaching methodology has been guided by a Modeling Theory of Physics Instruction, the focus of educational research by David Hestenes and collaborators since 1980. Implementation through Modeling Workshops for high school teachers was supported by grants from the National Science Foundation from 1989 to 2005. The documented success of workshops and the enthusiastic response of teachers has stimulated institutionalization and expansion of the program through increased involvement of university physics departments.
History Partners Annual Report Founders and directors Ways to Volunteer
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Modeling Instruction in High School Physics, Chemistry, Physical Science, and Biology Modeling Instruction in Physics was designated in 2000 by the U.S. Department of Education as one of the seven best K-12 educational technology programs out of 134 programs evaluated. Modeling Instruction in Physics was designated in 2001 by the U.S. Department of Education as one of two exemplary programs in K-12 Science Education out of 27 programs evaluated. |
Modeling Instruction is Effective
(data: 1 page)
NSF report: Findings of the Modeling Workshop Project: 1994-2000. pdf
NSF report: Findings of the ASU Summer Graduate Program for Physics Teachers
(2002-2006) pdf
Opportunities for Professional Growth
The National Science Education Standards(NRC, 1996) emphasize that "coherent
and integrated programs" supporting "lifelong professional development" of science
teachers are essential for significant reform. "The conventional view of professional
development for teachers needs to shift from technical training for specific
skills to opportunities for intellectual professional growth."
The Glenn Commission report Before It's Too Late states:
"We are of one mind in our belief that the way to interest children in
mathematics and science is through teachers who are not only
enthusiastic about their subjects, but who are also steeped in their
disciplines and who have the professional training—as teachers—to
teach those subjects well. Nor is this teacher training simply a matter
of preparation; it depends just as much—or even more—on
sustained, high-quality professional development."
The following programs are designed to meet this need:
ASU Graduate
Program for Teachers of the Physical Sciences
Professional development courses and Modeling Workshops for teachers
of high school physics and chemistry and junior high physical science.
Course list for summer 2010 (updated Feb. 2010)
Modeling Instruction Workshops Nationwide for Summer 2010 (updated Feb. 2010)
American Modeling Teachers Association (AMTA), a 501(3)(c) professional organization AMTA application form
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NSF-supported research to reform introductory physics at the university/college
level. (updated Dec. 2007) College Modeling Workshops
(2010) |
Research findings, publications and evaluation instruments [Force Concept Inventory (FCI), Mechanics Baseline Test (MBT), Views About Science Survey (VASS) and RTOP Self-Assessment]. Dissertations; evaluations of Modeling Instruction and other programs in physics. Two taxonomies of student conceptions about force and motion.
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Cognitive Instruction in Mathematical Modeling The CIMM program is transforming mathematics education to include conceptual understanding (grouping structure), symbol construction (algorithmic manipulations), problem solving and mathematical reasoning. (updated March 2009) |
Professional Development, Community, Policy and Vision
Modeling Instruction
for STEM Education Reform, a major proposal by David Hestenes
(2009)
A Critical Role
for Physics Departments in K-12 Science Reform, by David Hestenes
and Jane Jackson (2004, 160kb)
Activities and Significance
of the Modeling Workshop Project (1994-2000), by David Hestenes. David Hestenes'
vision for high school physics is reflected in the activities, contributions,
and significance expressed in the 10-page document submitted to the NSF.
AzAAPT - Follow this link to learn about the activities of the
Arizona Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers.
Local Physics
Alliances - Learning communities of physics teachers.
University - School partnerships
- for sustained science education reform.
Documents
for persons who want to seek funding and organize a Modeling Workshop
National Center for Physics Education
A proposal to stimulate action by the physics community, submitted
by David Hestenes to the AAPT.
This page is maintained by Jane Jackson.
Last updated on February 7, 2010
