Dr. Eric Mazur

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• Dr. Eric Mazur
• Department of Physics
• Harvard University
• (1997)

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PER A Real Eye Opener

• Traditional (teacher-centered) methods of
  instruction versus informed (student-centered)
  methods of instruction.
• Many bleak results from traditional methods
• Low student interest
• Students retain preconceptions
• Lack of conceptual understanding
• More emphasis on memorization than understanding
  resulting from surface learning rather than
  deep learning.

Sheila Tobias (1990) Theyre Not Dumb, Theyre
Different Stalking the Second Tier. Tucson, AZ
Research Corporation.
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Mazurs Peer Instruction

• Pre-class reading
• Reading quiz
• Lecture on selected topics
• Individuals work on ConcepTests
• Small group discussion
• Feedback provided to instructor
• Remediation as necessary

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P. I. Procedure - 1

• Assign reading write reading quiz.
• Prepare limited lecture outline (3-4 topics) from
  reading.
• Prepare ConcepTest questions
• Single concept per question
• Question not soluble using equations
• Adequate M.C. foils (based on preconceptions)
• Unambiguous wording
• Neither too easy nor too hard.

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P. I. Procedure - 2

• Lecture (approx. 15 min. per topic)
• 7-10 min. for lecturing
• 5-8 min. for ConcepTest)
• Demonstrations
• Not part of lecture
• Related to ConcepTest questions
• Examinations contain
• Concept questions
• Equation-based questions

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Conducting ConcepTests

• Students view question, reflect on answers.
• Students record individual responses on
  whiteboard responder pads.
• Students share responses and gather in small
  groups to work out detail.
• A single group response is given.
• Instructor responds to groups.

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?s about Peer Instruction

• Does P.I. really work?
• Do traditional problem-solving skills suffer as a
  result of using P.I.?
• How does one deal with the depth versus breadth
  argument using P.I.?
• How much effort does P.I. take?

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Peer Instruction Resources

• Mazur, E. (1997) Peer Instruction A Users
  Manual. Upper Saddle River, NJ Prentice Hall.
• JiTT also something worth checking out
• World Wide Web http//galileo.harvard.edu