Mastering Physics increases student engagement and supports student success
Pearson | October 29, 2021 in Meaningful Outcomes
by Pearson
How Mastering Physics contributes to student success and increases engagement
In Spring 2018, Professor Adam Beehler from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, UT partnered with Pearson to investigate how Modified Mastering™ Physics for College Physics: A Strategic Approach by Knight, Jones, and Field impacted student success in his General Physics I course.
Researchers found that:
- The group of students who scored above average on Mastering Physics and on each individual Mastering item had significantly higher final exam scores than those who scored at or below average.
- A strong correlation was found between Mastering pre-lecture homework and Learning Catalytics.
- The instructor uses demonstrations and different Mastering Physics resources to engage students both in and outside the classroom.
Click here to read the full case study or continue reading to learn more.
Why does Professor Adam Beehler utilize Mastering Physics?
Beehler used Mastering Physics (MP) in a conceptual physics course in the past and decided to adopt it for Gen Phys I in Spring 2018. He wanted to incorporate more active learning into the course and felt Mastering would facilitate that goal.
How was Mastering Physics implemented?
For Spring 2018, the Gen Phys I course included in class activities, discussion sections and MP. Beehler used Modified Mastering Physics integrated with the University’s Learning Management System, Canvas. Because he felt it was important for students to have diverse resources, he utilized many different resources within MP, both required for credit and optional for extra credit. In addition, he made remediation resources available to students and encouraged them to utilize those resources as needed. The MP resources utilized were:
- Dynamic Study Modules (DSM) math skills,
- Primer,
- Dynamic Study Modules (DMS),
- Pre-lecture homework,
- Chapter homework,
- Adaptive Follow-Up (AFU), and
- Learning Catalytics (LC).
Other assessments included quizzes, four midterm exams, and a final exam. Mastering Physics work accounted for 41% of the total course grade.
Were students successful in the course?
Students were grouped either above the MP class average or at or below the average. The group of students earning above average scores on each MP item had a significantly higher final exam average than the group of students who scored at or below the MP class average.
A strong correlation was found between Mastering pre-lecture homework and Learning Catalytics.
Did students enjoy the course?
One student commented on www.RateMyProfessors.com:
“...easily one of my favorite professors at the U[tah]. If you want to actually learn physics, he’s the one! Physics is no easy topic to teach but [Beehler] masters the art of breaking it down in a way that is extremely easy to understand. I'd HIGHLY recommend taking his class!”
Learn more about how Mastering Physics could benefit your course
