The Student-Centered Activities for Large Enrollment Undergraduate Programs (SCALE-UP) project

Abstract

The primary goal of the SCALE-UP Project is to establish a highly collaborative, hands-on, computer-rich, interactive learning environment for large, introductory college courses.North Carolina State University and a group of more than two-dozen collaborating schools are folding together lecture and lab with multiple instructors in a way that provides an effective, economical alternative to traditional lecture-oriented instruction.The project involves the development of the pedagogy, classroom environment, and teaching materials that will support this type of learning.It includes the development, evaluation, and dissemination of new curricular materials in physics, chemistry, and biology.Here we will focus on the calculus-based introductory physics part of the effort.In comparisons to traditional instruction we have seen significantly increased conceptual understanding, improved attitudes, successful problem solving, and higher success rates, particularly for females and minorities.This chapter highlights the development of the SCALE-UP pedagogy, classroom environment, and teaching materials for calculus-based introductory physics at North Carolina State University.