Author Archives: Ian

About Ian

Physics professor... science education researcher and evangelist... foodie and occasionally-ambitious cook... avid traveler... outdoorsy type (hiking, camping, whitewater kayaking, teaching wilderness survival skills to high school students, etc.)... amateur photographer... computer programmer and amateur web designer... and WAAY too busy!

the SBG exam-grading experience

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Ian

Just a quick update on my SBG experiment: I’m partway through grading the first midterm exam (of four or five) — a two-hour evening affair — and I must say that I’m somewhat enjoying the experience, at least compared to … Continue reading →

Posted in Learning & Teaching, Pedagogy, standards-based grading | 7 Comments

SBG update: learning as I go

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Ian

Tonight I get some serious information about how well this experiment in teaching a 60-student calc-based intro physics course with SBG is going. Tonight… is the first midterm exam. One thing I’ve realized while developing assessments for this first “unit” … Continue reading →

Posted in Learning & Teaching, Pedagogy, standards-based grading | 8 Comments

I oppose SOPA and PIPA

Posted on January 18, 2012 by Ian

The SOPA and PIPA bills: Yet more examples of Big Money influencing politics to skew laws in their favor, not caring what damage is done. Bad for the internet, bad for ideas. I’ve contacted my congressman and senators already. If … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics, Technology | Leave a comment

SBG update: not off to a good start.

Posted on January 16, 2012 by Ian

One week down: three classes, 14% of the term. Not happy. Why? For one thing, I’m already a full day behind my planned schedule. Ugh. 50 minutes is so short! Something’s gotta give. I’m feeling the voices of 100+ standards … Continue reading →

Posted in Learning & Teaching, Pedagogy, standards-based grading | 3 Comments

teachers matter

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Ian

We already know this — that’s why we do what we do — but not everyone seems to get it: Teachers Matter (NYT) It’s not “the system” or “the curriculum” or “the standardized tests” that we should be paying attention … Continue reading →

Posted in Educational Research, Learning & Teaching | Leave a comment