A good (or bad) class can influence a lifetime.
At events with other adults, small talk inevitably leads to a discussion of careers. In my experience, the mention of physics evokes one of two strong responses - love or terror. The difference between those extremes invariably depends on a teacher. The person who becomes an engineer (or a high school teacher) does so because as a teenager, an educator taught not only the content, but a love of the subject. Physics describes the world we live in, and every student has unique insights and goals for that world.
Physics is the first science we teach where students have to rectify their observations with the content at hand - they know what it looks like when things fall, and Physics gives them to opportunity to quantify that with the science practices and mathematical tools we have given them. In addition, Physics forces (no pun intended!) students to confront those situations where their preconceived notions about the world are challenged and their own observations are questioned. Students are taught to question and grow, making them stronger critical thinker not just in science, but beyond.
Learning is student-Centered
The best learning is done with a student’s skills and needs in mind. The most effective way to learn a new thing is teaching it to someone else, so my students are encouraged to speak up - both to me and to each other. I try to promote an environment where asking questions is the norm, and where lively discussion is encouraged. I want every student to be master of her own learning, whatever that looks like.
Learning is inquiry-based
Real life isn’t a series of prescribed questions to answer, but instead a maze of challenges to solve. Inquiry-based learning presents goals for the students to achieve, while giving them the opportunity to meet unexpected challenges head-on. Students are encouraged to consider creative solutions to problems, and most importantly, discover that there are many ways to think about the same problem.
Learning finds joy in a challenge
To paraphrase Robert Browning, a learner’s “reach should exceed his grasp”, or what is truly learned? I believe that there is value in the struggle, and that the true growth happens when we push outside our comfort zone. I want to challenge my students, and encourage them to reach beyond what seems possible. Students should be proud of what they accomplished, and a strong classroom environment allows every girl to find joy in her discovery.
Finally, a student should walk out of a class with both an appreciation of what she has learned and pride from the perseverance of the journey.
Let's face it - physics can be tough. Those small-talking adults aren't wrong when they say their physics was a challenge. Part of what always drew me to physics was the puzzle to be solved. If we can instill that - the joy in persevering until the puzzle was solved, that skill can be carried beyond physics - and high school!