Monthly Archives: August 2012

From “Physics faculty try innovative teaching methods“: …Why is college science instruction so slow to change when we know that there are better methods? Focused research and development has resulted in a variety of effective strategies for teaching science. These … Continue reading →

I used to give that advice to the students in FSU’s Honors Program when I was Director of the program years ago.  I also gave this advice to a group of middle school students and parents I met with near … Continue reading →

The 2012 ACT state results are here. [Editor’s note:  We apologize for not posting a sarcasm alert.] Orlando Sentinel coverage here. Update: Commissioner Robinson has released a statement on the ACT results.  Here it is: Statement from Education Commissioner Gerard … Continue reading →

With the release earlier this week of Governor Scott’s statement on the implementation of the Common Core Standards in Florida and the development of the PARCC testing program, the state is now looking forward to the retirement of the FCAT … Continue reading →

An article in this morning’s Florida Times-Union reminds us that our state is preparing to raise its game so that it can compete nationally via the PARCC assessment program, which will be based on the Common Core Standards in math … Continue reading →

My talk title on Thursday, September 6 will be “‘But you’re just a physics booster!’  Why K-12 physical science matters and what we in Florida should do about it.”  The talk begins at 3:45 pm in UPL 101.  Refreshments will … Continue reading →

From The Guardian’s science blog “Notes and Theories“: Physics A-level is another interesting subject to look at. Last year’s Royal Society report (“Science and mathematics education: the transition to higher education”) noted that the provision of physics A-level in schools … Continue reading →

From the BBC: …figures out today show that the total number of students entered for physics A-level has increased by 5%, from 32,860 in 2011 to 34,509 in 2012. For mathematics, the story has been even more spectacular. Today’s results show … Continue reading →

See the latest report on 1st year graduate students in physics from the American Institute of Physics here: AIP report on 1st year graduate students in physics

Leslie Postal at School Zone yesterday posted on two commentaries appearing in the Orlando Sentinel.  One was my argument for more end-of-course exams in high school math and science courses.  The other was by a Winter Park dad, an engineer … Continue reading →