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Use of Role-playing Exercises in Teaching Undergraduate Astronomy and Physics

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 March 2013

Paul J. Francis
Affiliation:
Department of Physics and Theoretical Physics, Faculty of Science, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia; paul.francis@anu.edu.au Joint appointment with the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics
Aidan P. Byrne
Affiliation:
Department of Physics and Theoretical Physics, Faculty of Science, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia; aidan.byrne@anu.edu.au Joint appointment with the Department of Nuclear Physics, Research School of Physical Sciences and Engineering
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Abstract

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The use of role-playing exercises in the teaching of university astronomy and physics can enliven lectures, deepen student understanding and dramatically increase the level of classroom interaction. A series of case studies is presented, illustrating the nature of this technique, its advantages and some of its pitfalls. Several ready-to-run exercises are included.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Astronomical Society of Australia 1999

References

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