Studio Physics at the Colorado School of Mines

Physics 100 Online is modeled after the studio classroom teaching method, which is used in the calculus-based introductory physics course at CSM.

Small groups of students learn by working through context-rich exercises, delivered through an elaborate web site.

The primary principle of this teaching method is peer tutoring, which exploits socially enabled learning through dialog and conflic resolution.

This teaching method is partly responsible for the dramatic increase in student interest in physics as a major at CSM. The growth in the size of the undergraduate program at CSM is quite remarkable. Technically inclined students arrive at CSM with a generally favorable impression of physics. The new learning environment helps to preserve that attitude, instead of what is commonly the case with introductory physics courses.

You can learn more about the studio teaching method at: http://einstein.mines.edu/poster