Just-in-Time Teaching

Developed by: G. Novak, A. Gavrin, E. Patterson, W. Christian

Level
 
middle schoolhigh schoolintro collegeinter-mediateupper levelgrad school   other


 Intro College Calculus-based
calc based
 Intro College Algebra-based
alg based
 Intro College Conceptual
conceptual

Topics
Mechanics  Electricity / Magnetism  Waves / Optics  Thermal / Statistical  Modern / Quantum +4
Setting
Lecture - Large (30+ students)  Lecture - Small (<30 students)  Lab  Studio


What? Students answer questions online before class, promoting preparation for class and encouraging them to come to class with a "need to know." Instructors use the responses to fine tune their presentation and incorporate student quotes into the class.

Why? The JiTT system of pre-class preparation can result in a more efficient use of classroom time and "priming" of key concepts. When correctly delivered, JiTT motivates student interest and provides valuable feedback to teachers prior to formal instruction.

Why not? The JiTT method calls for instructor review of student responses immediately before class. This requires a consistent, dedicated commitment of time prior to each class using JiTT. Finding an appropriate system for collecting student responses can be a challenge.

Example materials

 

Student skills developed

Designed for:
  • Conceptual understanding
  • Making real-world connections
  • Using multiple representations
Can be adapted for:
  • Metacognition

Instructor effort required

  • Medium
  • High

Resources required

  • Computers for students

Developer's website: Just-in-Time Teaching

You can download a pdf of the Just-in-Time Teaching book free from the JiTT curriculum page on PhysPort.

The JiTT website has a large free collection of JiTT activities for many topics in physics and for many other disciplines.

RESEARCH VALIDATION
Bronze Validation
This is the third highest level of research validation, corresponding to:
  • at least 1 of the "based on" categories
  • at least 1 of the "demonstrated to improve" categories
  • at least 1 of the "studied using" categories
(Categories shown below)

Research Validation Summary

Based on Research Into:

  • theories of how students learn
  • student ideas about specific topics

Demonstrated to Improve:

  • conceptual understanding
  • problem-solving skills
  • lab skills
  • beliefs and attitudes
  • attendance
  • retention of students
  • success of underrepresented groups
  • performance in subsequent classes

Studied using:

  • cycle of research and redevelopment
  • student interviews
  • classroom observations
  • analysis of written work
  • research at multiple institutions
  • research by multiple groups
  • peer-reviewed publication

References

Compatible Methods

Peer Instruction PhET Interactive Simulations Tutorials in Introductory Physics +49 more...

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