Physics Under OCAAT
Can you really learn something like physics in
a block of only three and a half weeks? Doesn't my brain need more time
to absorb those difficult concepts?
I've heard many theoretical arguments for and against learning math and
physics under OCAAT. True, you don't get as many nights to "sleep"
on the material, but your brain is only concentrating on one subject during
those three and a half weeks of physics-filled dreams. Being an experimentalist,
I prefer to look at data rather than unsubstantiated theories. Whenever
I get the chance, I ask our students who have gone on to study under the
semester system (at grad schools, engineering schools, etc.) what they
think of OCAAT. I can honestly state that I have never heard any big gripes
about our unusual calendar and have heard many favorable comments. So
if you really want the scoop on whether or not OCAAT can work, ask some
of our graduates, such as Pam Johnson, Mike Farmer, Jon Drieling, or Andy
Clements. -- (Lyle Lichty)
back to top
What are the advantanges of learning physics
under OCAAT?
- Under OCAAT students cannot postpone studying for most of the semester
and then cram before a few exams. Assignments are often due the next
day rather than the next week or month, so students must keep up to
date.
- Students can and do use the classroom to work together on homework.
- We can use longer labs not confined to two or three hours.
- It's easier for students to take calculus before physics.
- OCAAT encourages instructors to use active-learning techniques beyond
mere lecturing.
- We can show feature films! (Non-majors can take the Science Through
Film and Fiction course, and even majors often discover the physics
in the film 2001.)
back to top
What are the disadvantages of learning physics
under OCAAT?
OK, not all your problems will disappear under OCAAT. You do need to
stay on top of your work. If you must miss class for several days of sickness,
you have to work very hard to catch up. Students often take classes outside
the department for a couple months, so we start to miss them. (We do have
physics lunches to keep in touch.) You can get tired of any course by
about the third week of the block.
back to top
How is physics taught under OCAAT?
Each faculty member has his or her own favorite methods, but you will
find a number of common differences between an OCAAT physics course and
a course on the semester plan. Students almost always have time every
day to work on problems in the classroom with the instructor present or
down the hall in an office. Some students might finish all their homework
during class; others will work on it at home and then use that time to
clear up problems. Classtime is also used more for hands-on exercises
(like building a circuit or looking through some lenses). We devote one
entire block to the introductory labs after students have been through
two blocks of physics. This is a good review, allows us to concentrate
on lab technique, and uses labs that involve several areas of physics.
In our advanced lab, students choose a project to work on for the month.
They use the entire block to research the project, build an apparatus,
gather and analyze data, and create a presentation -- much like work in
grad school or research.
back to top
How can students be involved in research projects
under the OCAAT calendar?
Take a look at our student projects page. Students can:
- carry out a project during the advanced lab course.
- use a block or two for independent research with a professor.
- carry out research over the summer with a professor.
- use the Extended Research in Physics course, during which they
devote several hours per week to a research project.
- present their research during the college-wide Student Symposium.
back to top
|
