A Study of the Development of the Paradigms in Physics Program

A big challenge for most of the new faculty was the expectation that they use active engagement strategies as an integral approach to teaching rather than primarily lecturing. They needed to learn about a variety of strategies as well as about ways to engage students in these strategies. Most of the new faculty members came with a vision of teaching as presenting a series of concepts through well-formed lectures. They were being asked, however, to shift their vision of teaching to engaging students in developing a series of concepts through well-designed activities and discussions. Such a shift in pedagogy was an on-going process.