University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Physics Education Research Group
Your Wants and Needs for Better Physics Teaching: A Survey for Physics and Physical Science Teachers [PDP Document]
It is our desire to build a strong learning community of physics teachers, in partnership with the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. By participating in this survey, the University can help: improve your physics teaching; assist in writing grants for classroom technology (e.g., instructional software, computer-based laboratories, internet connections); and, keep you updated on the latest developments in physics and physics education research. The survey takes just 10-15 minutes. It is well worth your time!
2. e-mail address
3. School name
Your school phone fax
4. Highest degree major year
5. Bachelors degree: major year
6. Check off the courses you took as a college student. (In certain cases, having fewer courses can increase your chances of getting funded for professional development.)
physical science (# semesters = ) algebra-based general physics (# semesters = ) trig-based general physics (# semesters = ) calculus-based general physics (# semesters = ) sophomore-level modern physics (relativity/quantum) junior-level mechanics (# semesters = ) junior-level e & m (# semesters = ) junior-level modern physics (atomic/nuclear) other physics courses:
7. How many years have you taught physics physical science (chem-physics)
8. If you had it to do over again, would you still be a high school teacher? yes no
9. Is your high school primarily:
urban suburban rural About how many students are taking physics from you this year? grades: About how many are taking physical science (chem-physics) from you this year? grades:
What % of these students are: low income females minorities
10. How many sections of these other subjects are you teaching this year?
chemistry biology general science earth science principles of technology astronomy math other
Professional Development
11. In-service participation
a) How many hours per year of physics-related in-services (all sources) do you have? b) How adequate are local and state opportunities for professional development? very somewhat not comment:
c) How valuable would it be to you if you had opportunities for inexpensive, convenient professional growth that you could use? very somewhat not comment:
Classroom Environment
12. How adequate in size is your classroom? very somewhat not
Is there a phone in the classroom? yes no # Internet lines in classroom:
13. Financial resources
a) Your school's typical annual budget for equipment/lab supplies: $ b) Is that enough? yes no c) What do you need most for your classroom? lab equipment computers computer lab interfaces and/or MBL probes CBLs other (specify):
14. # student-used computers in your classroom: What kinds? How well do they meet your needs?
15. Computer detectors and probes. a) How many of the following do you have access to: calculator based lab systems (CBLs) graphing calculators
b) How many MBL/CBL probes do you have? voltage light detector temperature detector photogate motion detector (sonic ranger)
Teaching and Technology
16. How proficient are you in computer usage?
17. How eager are you to learn more about classroom computer use?
18. How important is classroom technology to you? (very, somewhat, not)
19. How confident are you about leading in-service workshops on classroom technology?
20. Would you like to assist other teachers on classroom technology, for extra pay or reduced teaching load?
21. How interested would you be in a masters degree in physics or physical science education? Which of the following summer school formats is most preferable/practical for you:
8 weeks, standard format (on-campus sessions only), meets 2 times per week, 5.0 hrs/session 8 weeks, blended format (on-campus and online sessions), meets on campus 2 times per week, 2.5 hrs/session 8 weeks, blended format (on-campus and online sessions), meets on campus 1 time per week, 5.0 hrs/session 8 weeks, fully online format (meets once at the beginning and once at the end of the course
22. On what date does your school year end? On what date does it start again?
23. What do you really want for professional development (write below)?