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Fantasy Universes: Inquiry Learning in Astrophysics On-Campus and Massive Open Online Courses
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Metadata
Title
Fantasy Universes: Inquiry Learning in Astrophysics On-Campus and Massive Open Online Courses
Abstract
Problem based learning, and its variants such as project-based learning and case-studies, is a widely used and highly effective type of inquiry learning. In this paper, I present a case study of applying this method to the teaching of astrophysics. There are two main novelties in my approach. Firstly, traditional problem-based learning gets the students to solve real problems, but my exercises ask them instead to solve fantasy problems. I make up a universe which is interestingly different from our own, but physically self-consistent, for example, a universe with bubbles rather than stars in the sky, that didn’t have a Big Bang. The students are given the task of discovering some interesting things about this universe. Each week, the students discuss the data they have in hand, and make proposals for future observations. The data they requested is then generated and returned to them. Week by week, the students learn to analyse their data, formulate hypotheses and propose observations. Because the universe is a different one from our own, the students cannot just look up the answers on Wikipedia. They have to apply the methods and thought processes taught in lectures to this different context. The second novelty is that these exercises were used in a series of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCS), in addition to more traditional on-campus courses. These online courses have restricted options for assessment, which makes inquiry learning challenging. Student feedback suggests, however, that these exercises were highly effective in driving deep student learning and engagement, for at least a sub-set of the online students.
Date
01/01/2016
Citation
Francis, P. J. (2016). Fantasy Universes: Inquiry Learning in Astrophysics On-Campus and Massive Open Online Courses. International Journal of Innovation in Science and Mathematics Education (Formerly CAL-Laborate International), 23(6). Retrieved from htt
Type of Publication
Author(s)
Francis, Paul
Construct
Methodology
Research Setting
Target Group
Institution(s)
Australian National University
Journal Name
International Journal of Innovation in Science and Mathematics Education
Peer-Reviewed Status
Publisher
University of Sydney
Volume
23
Issue Number
6
ISSN
22004270
Nation(s) of Study
Australia
Language
English