We examine students' challenges in determining the number of distinct many-particle stationary states for a system of noninteracting identical particles, focusing on how these insights guided the design, validation, and evaluation of a quantum interactive learning tutorial (QuILT) to aid students' understanding. Specifically, we focus on systems…

The focus of biology education has shifted from memorization to conceptual understanding of core biological concepts such as matter and energy relationships. To examine undergraduate learning about matter and energy, we incorporated constructed-response (CR) questions into an interactive computer-based tutorial. The objective of this tutorial is…

A lock-in amplifier is a versatile instrument frequently used in physics research. However, many students struggle with the basic operating principles of a lock-in amplifier which can lead to a variety of difficulties. To improve students' understanding, we have been developing and evaluating a research-based tutorial which makes use of a computer…

Most faculty will agree that students must learn to write well (Emerson, MacKay, MacKay, & Funnell, 2006), and in the sciences, a variety of approaches have been taken. In the College of Physical and Engineering Science at the University of Guelph, we have developed a way of embedding research, writing, and analytical skills into an…

Discusses the role and activities of student tutors in an undergraduate organic chemistry course. Points out that such tutors must be used as a complement to the classroom lecturer, not as a substitute. (JN)

A voluntarily used resource room has been shown to be an effective and reasonably inexpensive mechanism whereby attitudinal levels of students in traditionally taught introductory geology courses can be maintained at the same level as in nontraditional courses, without requiring large-scale revision or restructuring of traditionally taught…

The conditions and experiences of black students in higher education in the 1970s are addressed in 27 essays. The essays are categorized in terms of: history and profile; admissions and access; enrollment, academic experience, and career choice; black higher educational survival; recruitment and retention; and structural policies. Among the…