About This Course
The course aims to inspire academic staff to embrace pedagogy in higher education, recognizing it as essential for creating inclusive learning environments and fostering the development of knowledge. To achieve this, we will delve into the utilization of models in teaching and learning physics, approaching it from a two-ways perspective.
Initially, a discussion on the methodology of a model is provided, remarking the fourth dimensions of constructing it. The fifth dimension is to analyse how this model fit with empirical data, and also its validation and/or limitations.
In the first part, we will explore three well-known models, Bohr’s atomic, Ideal gas and Photonic gas, illustrating how we can present them within the framework of our theoretical model. The idea behind this lesson is that usually teacher teach a theoretical model not as a model per se, but as a sum of different concepts, qualities, behaviours and principles, all under a name. Furthermore, the efforts will be focusing on applying this model in common problems from physics, selected from the mechanics. As part of the methodology surrounding models, another topic will be covered: mapping and concept maps, which aligns with current trends in developing competency-based curricula in higher education.
Through this MOOC, you will:
- gain familiarity with key ideas of a model in physics, including the manipulation of some known models
- develop and practice model method with practical examples
- develop and practice methods of mappings and concept map.
This MOOC consists of a single module, and the course is designed to be self-paced, allowing participants the flexibility to engage with the content at their own convenience.
Requirements: Lecturers of sciences of different years of experiences in higher education; graduate teachers; students of study program in teaching physics, chemistry, mathematics and biology.
Course Staff
Valbona Nathnaili
Valbona Nathanaili is a lecturer at the department of pedagogy-psychology at LOGOS University College, Tirana, Albania. She is a Bachelor in physics and a doctoral degree holder in the science of pedagogy, both from University of Tirana. At the undergraduate level, at LOGOS, she taught the methodology of teaching science, didactic of mathematic and natural sciences, and civic education. Major areas of research over the last few years are the politics and reforms in Albanian Education System, education under occupation, methodology of teaching science, university pedagogy, science and religion, the future of schooling and internationalization of HEIs. She was previously based at the European University of Tirana, where contributed to a range of different duties and chaired publishing department. She is analyst, writers and contributor for different periodic Albanian newspaper and television outlets. Some sole authored books: “The arduous path of Albanian school: issues, policies & activities in the field of education, 1912-1944” (2016) and “Our ambassadors. The meeting point of diplomacy with creativity” (2014).
