Snapshots: Good learning and Teaching in Physics in Australian Universities

Snapshots is a resource for tertiary physics academics. It provides ideas and examples that have been successful at their originating institution, and have the potential to be adapted for use at other institutions. A survey of tertiary physics teaching and learning in Australia in 2004 showed that Australian physics departments* are adaptable and innovative, but that many also face the challenges of getting the best from limited resources. Outlines of their good learning and teaching practices are impressive in their scope and quality. This booklet presents “snapshots” at this time and at selected locations. It is by no means a full panoramic view as many excellent practices had to be omitted due to space limitations. We have sought to cover a wide range of approaches, arranged according to some broad themes. Some materials have been reported previously via conferences, grant schemes and publications, some have evolved gradually over time – having them side by side in one booklet allows the reader to see a range of possibilities. We thank the many individuals within departments who have provided the raw materials from which Snapshots was compiled. We hope that each reader will find resources and encouragement for good learning and teaching. Please contact the individuals named in the booklet for more details, and do give them feedback if you try something out. We trust that links established and strengthened through this project will continue to thrive well into the future. We encourage each reader to connect with the Physics Education Group (PEG) of the Australian Institute of Physics and ensure that good learning and teaching developments in physics education are communicated widely and effectively.