OPTYCs SPOTLIGHT 2024 Issue 32

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OPTYCs SPOTLIGHT 2024 Issue 32

August 29, 2024 Issue #32

SPOTLIGHT is the OPTYCs bi-weekly newsletter. It brings you OPTYCs activity updates, highlights from recent publications related to physics education, and news & resources for Two-Year colleges.

OPTYCs News

Upcoming events

LaTeX 2024 Workshop August 30, 2024 from 2:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
In this free, virtual workshop, you will use LaTeX to write a solution to physics problems of your choice following an approach that has been used for in a two semester introductory calculus-based physics course at a two-year college. This workshop is especially suited for anyone who is interested in helping their students use LaTeX as a tool to professional present their written work. Facilitator: Joe Heafner (Independent Scholar, Coordinator for OPTYCs Continuing Professional Development Workshops).
Research about Physicists with Disabilities September 13, 2024 from 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Join us for a lively session in which three prominent PER investigators share some of their findings on disabilities in physics. Each facilitator will give a brief presentation on findings related to neurodivergence and identity, disabling barriers experienced by students, and frameworks that shed light on doing physics as a person with one or more disabilities. There will be time for audience discussions and questions. Note that this PER Interest Group journal club event supports an upcoming workshop on Supporting Students with Disabilities. Facilitators: Liam McDermott (University of Connecticut) Erin Scanlon (University of Connecticut) Jacquelyn Chini (Ohio State University)
Students with Disabilities 2024 Workshop September 21, 2024 from 12:00pm -3:00pm EDT
Join us in this free, virtual workshop as we explore practical ways to provide better accessibility for students with disabilities in your classes. We will offer tips and tools for accommodations related to mobility, neurodiversity, and auditory and visual impairments. Facilitators: Tony Musumba (Riverside City Community College)Dean Stocker (University of Cincinnati - Blue Ash College)Alex Bohn (Northern Virginia Community College) Shahida Dar (Mohawk Valley Community College)
Physics Toolbox 2024 Workshop October 5, 2024 from 12:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite (https://www.vieyrasoftware.net/) is a free Android and iOS mobile app developed for physics teachers and their students to gather data using sensors. Come to this free workshop to learn about more than 25 laboratory experiences you can have your students do with their smartphones. Facilitators: Rebecca & Chrystian Vieyra (Vieyra Software)

Kris’ corner

Tips, summaries, and musings from Kris Lui (OPTYCs Director)

Often, the first exposure your students have to you is through your syllabus. Is it a contract, full of third-person language, with lists of rules and punishments? Or is it student-centered, encouraging, and shows students that you care about them and their learning? Think of the syllabus as a way of initiating the instructor-student relationship by building rapport and showing that you are a person. Here are some examples of student-centered language that Kelly A. Hogan and Viji Sathy share in their book Inclusive Teaching: Strategies for Promoting Equity in the College Classroom (West Virginia University Press, 2022):

“I want you to succeed and thrive in my course and at this institution.”
“Every aspect of this course is designed by me to help you successfully complete the learning objectives.”
“You have worked hard to be here; you belong here.”