Experiments in Physics Teaching and Learning

Duration of the project

01.09.2021. - 15.12.2021.

Countries and institutions involved in the project

flag-EE
Tallinn University of Technology
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Leibniz University Hannover
flag-LV
University of Latvia

Project manager

Prof. Dr. Jaan Kalda

Achieved aim(s) of the project

The following project aims were achieved. Initiating collaboration in physics education research between the involved universities, with the focus on developing novel approaches to laboratory works for undergraduate studies. Exchanging know-how regarding solutions allowing labworks during pandemics when contact lessons are not permitted.

Introducing the Latvian and Estonian participants with the outcomes of the research at the Leibniz University Hannover on learning about inclusion in the physics practical course – development and testing of suitable experiments; tutor training for the physics practical course; tandem teaching of a university seminar on modern physics; conversion of physics lectures according to the flipped classroom approach.

Familiarizing the Latvian and German participants with the outcomes of the TalTech’s projects “RemoteLab” and “VirtualLab” – with experiments which can be controlled and carried out remotely over web, and experiments which can be done virtually using a computer code simulating experiments and measurement processes as realistically as possible.

Familiarizing the Estonian and German participants with the outcomes of physics education research at the Department of Physics, University of Latvia – a video demonstration set in the topic “Electricity” with open questions for students, and research on undergraduate students’ knowledge and skills in a laboratory course in physics has been conducted.

Main activities of the project

1) Intensive week in Tallinn and Riga, with all parties gathering first in Tallinn, to get acquainted with the “RemoteLab” and “VirtualLab” projects, as well as with the novel experiments for undergraduate laboratories, to be presented during a short workshop, followed by a travel to Riga where a workshop and a roundtable were held.

Venue: Tallinn University of Technology and University of Latvia

Dates: Monday, 4th October till Saturday, 9th October

2) Experience exchange visit of Estonian and Latvian researchers to Hannover with the aim to get acquainted with the German educational technologies; during the stay in Hannover, also a workshop was held.

Venue: Leibniz University of Hannover

Dates: Monday, 22nd November till Saturday, 27th November

Direct and indirect target group of the project

Direct: 97 people

Indirect: Ca. 1200 people.