Transforming Calculus-Based Physics with Supplemental Instruction

Our traditional calculus-based mechanics course, taken by some 400 science and engineering majors each semester, had not been significantly changed in several decades. In order to improve student outcomes, we have been converting the course such that (a) there is excellent coordination across sections, (b) there are on-line resources for students to use outside of class, (3) there is more interactive learning and student group work in the labs than before, (4) there is in-person tutoring and exam preparation available, and (5) there is an additional support course for students not yet ready for Physics 50. The project is a collaboration between teaching faculty, physics education researchers and masters students studying student learning.