Rethinking learning and teaching in Physics

Gorazd Planinšič (University of Ljubljana), colloquium presentation on the Investigative Science Learning Environment (ISLE concept)

The Investigative Science Learning Environment (ISLE) is a holistic interactive-engagement approach to learning and teaching physics that has a goal of engaging students in learning physics by following processes similar to those that physicists use while constructing and applying new knowledge. The approach includes all aspects of students learning physics such as constructing, testing and applying new ideas through experimentation and reasoning, solving problems and of class organization including assessment and grading policies.

When: Tues. 28.10.2025, 4.15 p.m.
Where: KPH Hörsaal
Tomas Brage (Lund University, Sweden), workshop: "Activating Teaching Methods in Action"

Tomas Brage is a physics professor at Lund University/Sweden, where he is currently responsible for the course "atomic and molecular physics" - equivalent to "Experimentalphysik A" with a bit of "Theoretische Quantenmechanik" in Mainz. He is known in Lund for his activating teaching style that ensures students can follow the class and understand the concepts. His teaching is based on

  • preparatory material that students read or watch in advance
  • interactive lecture elements where he discusses key concepts with the entire group
  • exercises in small groups blended in during the lecturing period, tutored by Tomas Brage himself

In his workshop, Tomas Brage shows how activating teaching can be implemented easily. All physics students and teaching faculty are invited to his workshop. For students registered in the course "Experimental Physics A: Atomic and Molecular Physics" by Randolf Pohl, participation is strongly encouraged since the repetition of angular momentum operators is part of the Ex-A exercises. All attendees are requested to prepare in advance with the material on https://seafile.rlp.net/d/a579f95ec6af435aa731/ (online 1 week in advance).

Participation in the full workshop is encouraged; if necessary because of other obligations, participation 12.15-2 p.m. or 2.15-4 p.m. is possible.

The workshop concludes with a short discussion of the teaching session.

When: Mon. 03.11.2025, 12.15 - 4 p.m.
Where: MITP seminar room (Staudingerweg 9, room 02.430)
Student discussion with Tomas Brage (Lund University): "What does gender and diversity have to do with Physics?"

Students only.

Snacks and drinks will be provided, please register under mpa@uni-mainz.de to help us plan the event.

When: Mon. 03.11.2025, 6 p.m.
Where: MITP seminar room (Staudingerweg 9, room 02.430)

Discussion and Q&A with Tomas Brage (Lund University): "What do we need to see Activating Teaching Methods in Action in Mainz, too?"

Previous attendance at Monday workshop not required.

When: Tues. 04.11.2025, 12.15 - 2 p.m.
Where: MITP seminar room (Staudingerweg 9, room 02.430)
Tomas Brage (Lund University, Sweden), colloquium presentation "Why should we care about diversity in a physics classroom?”

How can we create an inclusive and equitable learning and teaching atmosphere? Tomas Brage is a professor of physics at Lund University and shares with us his expertise on gender and science. He is a steering group member of the LERU Policy Group for EDI and participates in the GENERA network and the GenderEX Horizon 2020 project. He is the chair of the section for equality, diversity and inclusion of the Swedish Physical Society and has led or co-led projects on Gender Certification, Antidiscrimination, Core-Values, mentoring for change and unconscious bias observers in Lund and beyond.

When: Tues. 04.11.2025, 4.15 p.m.
Where: KPH Hörsaal