The Centre is keen to support special-interest groups. These groups allow academics interested in a common learning, teaching or assessment theme in the physical sciences to meet. The aims are to share expertise, materials etc and subsequently to develop and disseminate resources, guidelines etc to the community. So far the Centre has commissioned special-interest groups based on...
Simulations in Physics and Astronomy
Convenor: Bruce Sinclair,
School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews
Aims: to share interest and expertise in the development and implementation
of simulations for use in the teaching of physics and astronomy
Context- and Problem-based Learning
Convenor: Karen Moss, Dept of
Chemistry and Physics, Nottingham Tent University
Aims: to share expertise in the development of context/problem led
approaches to teaching and learning in science, to share materials and develop
new resources.
Forensic Science
Convenor: Peter Wearden, Forensic
Science, University of Central Lancashire
Aims: to share expertise in the development of teaching materials for
Forensic Science within the context of the physical sciences, to share
materials and develop new resources.
The Centre and HEFCE have commissioned research in this area. The aims are to
assess the likely impact of Forensic Science degrees both for our graduates and
the future higher science skills base needed to underpin and strengthen the U.K
economy.
This project has now reached Milestone 1
SToMP
Convenor: Dick Bacon, LTSN Physical
Sciences, University of Surrey
Aims: The SToMP special interest group is for those who are using or
considering the use the SToMP style of Learning Support Environment. Meetings
and discussions will be concerned with: how the system is being used in
different institutions, how such experiences can help others to use it to best
effect, how the materials distributed so far can be improved and extended, what
new materials should be developed and how this can be organised.
FAST
Convenor: Steve Swithenby, The Open University
Aims: The project aims to improve the effectiveness of formative assessment
so as to improve student progression and retention in science courses.
The FAST website has more details about the project.
Visit it here.
Context-based Learning and Problem-based Learning
Convenor: Karen Moss, Dept of Chemistry and Physics, Nottingham Trent University
Aims: To share expertise in the development of context/problem led
approaches to teaching and learning in science, to share materials and develop
new resources.
New website coming soon.
Output is expected to be a survey of materials that are currently available, or guidelines to the successful implementation of such materials.
If you are interested in joining a group contact the convenor or the Centre. If there is another group you would like to start contact the Centre.