Speaker: Eric Kuo (UIUC)

Title: Problem solving isn’t just solving for x: building coherence between physical concepts and mathematics

Abstract: Learning physics includes learning problem-solving skills, especially those involving mathematics.  Some of the persistent efforts in Physics Education Research aim to clarify what these problem-solving skills are, how they can be developed, and how they can be applied to future contexts beyond physics class.  There is a growing body of evidence showing how problem-solving expertise in physics relies on connections between physical concepts and mathematical equations.  At the same time, problem-solving practice alone can be insufficient for developing this physical/mathematical coherence.  I will present a Mathematical Sensemaking approach to teaching introductory physics that emphasizes coherence and student coherence-seeking.  Compared to another parallel course section, a Mathematical Sensemaking course better developed physical/mathematical coherence in two areas: (i) more connections between physical and mathematical problem-solving approaches and (ii) stronger attitudes towards physics favoring physical/mathematical coherence.  I will close by discussing prospects for advancing the teaching of physics problem solving.

Short Bio: Eric Kuo received bachelor's degrees in physics and mathematics from Brandeis University in 2008. After a brief stint teaching high school physics, he began his graduate work at the University of Maryland, where he received his Ph.D. in physics in 2013. After working as a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford University and as a research associate at the University of Pittsburgh, he joined the physics department at Illinois in 2020. Professor Kuo takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of teaching and learning, drawing on research in other fields, such as the learning sciences, psychology, and cognitive science, to study the dynamics of learning and to develop models of how physics students think. He applies these models to tackle a broad range of issues related to physics education, with a strong focus on mathematical reasoning, causal reasoning, and problem solving.