How to Teach Inquiry-Style

Pedagogical Articles

  • Equipping the Inquiry Classroom
    What makes an inquiry class work? In part, it is the physical design of your classroom - both seating and equipment. Good design will encourage the attitudes and skills that inquiry thrives on. From the OAPT Newsletter, April 2012.
  • The Myth of the Great Teacher
    Your students can achieve learning gains that the greatest lecturers would envy. Good pedagogy trumps razzle-dazzle! From the OAPT Newsletter, February 2012.
  • To Improve, We Must Measure
    The quality of our instruction should be quantitatively tracked and carefully examined to help us as teachers learn how to teach better. I present data from my Gr. 12 physics class. From the OAPT Newsletter, September 2011.
  • The Argument for Change
    Why change? The research confronts us with compelling reasons for change. While there are many challenges, there are also many solutions! From the OAPT Newsletter, April 2011.
  • A Solution to the Problem Solving Problem
    We all wish our students were better at problem solving, but how do we get them there? I present a solution my students know as "The Physics Challenge" which is based on the Cooperative Group Problem Solving work of Ken and Pat Heller from the University of Minnesota. From the OAPT Newsletter, February 2011.
  • Making Groups Work
    How do we train students how to work well in groups? Most of us teachers have very little training ourselves. and don't have the tools or techniques to help students overcome their often justified resistance to regular group work. This articles from the November issue of the OAPT newsletter offers some strategies and materials.
  • My Experiments with PER
    For two years I have been experimenting with a new model of physics teaching - lectures are eliminated, students work each class in groups using materials borrowed from or modelled on the products of Physics Education Research. This article provides an overview of my reformed Gr. 12 physics course. From the September 2010 issue of the OAPT newsletter.

Workshops and Presentations

  • Technology in the Physics Classroom - May 2012
    How do we encourage the adoption of technology in the physics classroom? Through the combinination of good technology, pedagogy and subject knowledge. This presentation provides examples of my use and data supporting its success.
  • Cooperative Group Learning - Experience the Difference - April 2012
    An introduction to teaching physics by inquiry through the topic of circular motion. What does an inquiry class look like? How does an inquiry course run? What makes an inquiry investigation work? Find out here! Presented at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics.
  • Circular Motion by Inquiry (TDSB Demo Classroom) - April 2012
    An introduction to teaching physics by inquiry through the topic of circular motion. What does an inquiry class look like? How does an inquiry course run? What makes an inquiry investigation work? Find out here!
  • Stop Teaching! - February 2012
    Stop Teaching! A Sample of a Gr. 11 Inquiry-based Physics Program. Presented to the TDSB Eureka Science Teachers Conference
  • Electricity by Inquiry - February 2012
    Electricity by Inquiry, A Sample of a Gr. 11 Inquiry-based Physics Program. Presented to the Physics Teachers Alliance of Toronto
  • OISE Physics Class - December 2011
    Two presentations: "Stop Teaching!" and "Cooperative Group Problem Solving"
  • OAPT Presentations - May 2011
    "My Experiments with PER", and "The Physics Challenge - Cooperative Group Problem Solving". Presented May 13 & 14, 2011
  • TDSB Demonstration Classroom - March 2011
    "How to Build an Active-Learning Physics Course", and "Cooperative Group Problem Solving". Presented March 22, 2011
  • TDSB Eureka Presentation - February 2011
    Tired of lecturing? Students inert? It's time to change how physics is taught. This presentation will help you transform your physics classroom into an inquiry-based, group-working hive of activity. February 18, 2011
  • Reformed Science Education
    How do you to begin reforming your biology and chemistry classes using active-learning methods? Find out! Presented to the Bishop Strachan Science Department, Nov 23, 2010.
  • How to Build an Active Learning Course
    What are the changes and challanges required to transform your teaching practise from lecture-based to active-learning group work? Presented to the Physics Teachers Alliance, Oct 20, 2010.
  • My Experiments with PER
    A presentation outlining the design of my reformed Gr. 12 physics course which has been redesigned with the help of Physics Education Research. Lectures are eliminated and students work in groups on inquiry-based activites and problem solving challenges.