Title: A role for physical/mathematical coherence in productive problem-solving practice 

Speaker:  Eric Kuo, UIUC (https://physics.illinois.edu/people/directory/profile/ekuo)

Abstract:

Early research in physics problem solving focused on helping students (re)produce formal, expert solutions.  Since then, Physics Education Research (PER) has elaborated on the productive problem-solving strategies outside of these formal solution methods.  One central theme unifying these strategies is coherence between physical concepts and mathematics.  Physical/mathematical coherence is a productive constraint that can be used to reach, support, or refute a final answer.  First, I will use examples from my past work to illustrate this coherence thread in the productive problem-solving practices of physics students.  Next, I will present a Mathematical Sensemaking approach to teaching introductory physics that emphasizes coherence and student coherence-seeking.  Compared to a parallel course section, the Mathematical Sensemaking course better developed physical/mathematical coherence in two areas: (i) more frequent use of three assessed coherence-based strategies and (ii) stronger attitudes favoring physical/mathematical coherence.  Finally, I will discuss how coherence might fit into the learning goal and assessment structure of the physics curriculum.

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