P. J. Williams † , P. K. Varma ‡ , R. L. Hawkes ‡ , et al …..
†Department of Physics, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, B4P 2R6
‡ Department of Physics, Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB, E4L 1E6
Introductory physics instructors have grappled with the format of the course since its inception. Some have become frustrated at the perceived ineffectiveness of the standard 3-hour lecture, 3-hour lab format as implemented at most universities in North America. In this paper we describe efforts aimed at reforming the standard course by reducing the amount of lecture time and increasing the amount of time students spend doing activities. This transformation is typically accompanied by the introduction of computer-based laboratories. Such programs have been implemented by various Canadian universities and we describe their programs and experiences.