Students and future teachers are pictured
here in the Physics Lab at L-A College using new equipment
purchased through a grant obtained by assistant professor
Paul Caron. Seated in front measuring force and acceleration
of a glider on an air track are Auburn public school students
Kelsey & Katie Philbrick. Assisting them, standing left
to right are ‘CLASS’ teacher education students
Cyndi Polisky of Auburn, Katie Bunker of Minot. Dr. Caron
looks on at right.
Paul Caron, Ph.D., assistant professor of education at USM’s
Lewiston-Auburn College, was recently awarded a Faculty Technology
Grant. This grant was one of only 12 awarded from a total
of 40 applications received by the USM Faculty Senate Committee.
The grant will enable the College to purchase equipment such
as laboratory interfaces, sensors, detectors, and photogates
that will enable students to increase the level of accuracy
in data gathering, which will lead to better analysis and
evaluation. In addition, the College will purchase software
compatible with Handspring Visors that are already in use.
Dr. Caron noted that students in several courses will benefit
from this new hardware. The Applied Physics course designed
primarily for the CLASS (Collaborative Learning And School
Success) K-8 teacher preparation program has a methodology
based on constructivist and experimental beliefs. “This
means that students are in a supportive hands-on environment
where the manipulation of apparatus leads to higher levels
of critical thinking,” he added.
The Applied Problem Solving mathematics course was developed
specifically for the CLASS program. This course is designed
to introduce mathematical concepts and apply them in solving
problems in various contexts. Similar to Applied Physics,
the pedagogy is student oriented using physical models and
tools to enhance the process of developing mathematical thinking
from concrete to abstract levels of understanding and application.
“The ability to discover and create a personal understanding
of science and mathematics requires a coordinated and accurate
system of measuring apparatus, noted Caron. “These materials
will help create a supportive environment to achieve this
by literally connecting to previously purchased items and
future ones as well.”
Anyone interested in learning more about the CLASS teacher
education program at L-A College is encouraged to contact
Jim Bradley at 753-6618. An information session and open house
for this program will be held November 18, 6:00 - 7:30 pm.
at the College.
