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Cooperative Group Problem Solving in Physics

By Pat Heller and Ken Heller (University of Minnesota)

Table of Contents

  • 1. The Minnesota Model of Large Introductory Courses
    • Flow Chart of Minnesota Model  (p. 3)
    • Description of Minnesota Model  (p. 4)
  • 2. Teaching Problem Solving
    • A Logical Problem-solving Strategy (p.19)
    • Flow-charts of the Problem-solving Strategy (p. 26)
    • Blank Problem-solving Format Sheets (p. 32)
    • Grading Feedback (p. 34)
  • 3. Cooperative Group Problem Solving in Discussion Sections
    • Why Cooperative Group Problem Solving? (p. 39)
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Cooperative Groups (p. 40)
    • General Plan for Teaching a Discussion Section (p. 43)
    • Chart of Group Roles (p. 48)
    • Group Functioning Evaluation (p. 49)
    • Typical Objections to Cooperative Groups (p. 50)
  • 4. Context-rich Written Problems
    • What Are Context Rich Problems? (p. 55)
    • What Are the Characteristics of a Good Group Problem? (p. 55)
    • Twenty-one Characteristics That Can Make a Problem Difficult (p. 55)
    • How to Create Context-rich Problems (p. 57)
    • How to Judge If a Problem is a Good Group Problem (p. 58)
    • Context-rich Problems in This Booklet (p. 60)
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  • 5. Problem-solving Laboratories
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about our Problem-solving Labs (p.  119)
    • Comparisons of Different Types of Labs (p. 125)
    • General Plan for Teaching a Laboratory Section (p. 126)
    • Table of Contents for Calculus-Based Introductory Labs (p. 132)
    • Laboratory Manual's Introduction to Problem-solving Labs (p. 137)
    • Example of Adapting a Textbook Problem:
      • Laboratory Manual's Introduction to Forces Lab (p. 147)
      • Enhanced Version of Problem #2: Forces in Equilibrium (p. 148)
      • Instructor's Guide to Forces Labs (p. 153)
    • Example of Exploratory Problem: Magnets and Moving Charge (p. 160)
    • Example of Importance of Predictions: Gravitational Force on the Electron (p. 163)
  • 6. References 169
    • Cooperative Group Problem Solving at the University of Minnesota (p. 171)
    • A Short Bibliography of Articles and Books About Cooperative Grouping  (p. 172)