Conceptual Issues And Student Attitudes Toward Active Learning Exercises In Introductory Mechanics

This paper will report on results of an assessment of in-class active learning exercises in introductory physics courses. The assessment is being conducted to explore conceptual issues in student understanding of Newton’s Laws. Students work in small groups on activities that have been specifically designed for this purpose. Examples of these activities are provided. We also present the results of a survey of student attitudes toward their experience in collaborative learning. The goal of this paper is to explore common misconceptions and student difficulties in mechanics across a wide range of student abilities and backgrounds. Suggestions are provided on how to enhance the classroom experience based on these activities and surveys.