We are looking for undergraduates who are interested in how students learn and interact with one another in college classrooms. We work in a number of areas:
- qualitative analysis* of student response to collaborative learning activities
- qualitative analysis* of student responses on physics assignments to identify areas of confusion
- statistical analysis of education data (using Python and R)
- creation of curriculum materials and analysis of their effectiveness, including software development
Previous research experience is not required. We encourage you to apply if you are enthusiastic about studying the learning process in physics!
* In our work, qualitative analysis involves analyzing students' written work to find themes and patterns. For example, this may be analyzing various approaches students take to solving a certain physics problem.
Students working on software projects will work on a team to code, document, and test education software.
Students creating curriculum will review literature, relevant existing curriculum, and adapt or create new materials.
Students analyzing the effectiveness of curricular materials will learn applicable techniques in quantitative / statistical analysis and qualitative analysis (to analyze free-form responses).
5-12 hours per week
No other requirements.
Programming experience may be helpful for some projects, but is not required.
All students (first year through final year) are welcome. You are encouraged to apply while taking Physics 2, 7, or even before starting physics courses at UCI!
Laura Tucker, tucker@uci.edu