Information on Loughborough
News Index
2009
Nov 2009Oct 2009
Sep 2009
Aug 2009
Jul 2009
Jun 2009
May 2009
Apr 2009
Mar 2009
Feb 2009
Jan 2009
2008
Dec 2008Nov 2008
Oct 2008
Sep 2008
Aug 2008
Jul 2008
Jun 2008
May 2008
Apr 2008
Mar 2008
Feb 2008
Jan 2008
2007
Dec 2007Nov 2007
Oct 2007
Sep 2007
Aug 2007
Jul 2007
Jun 2007
May 2007
Professor Calls for Overhaul of Physics Teaching
Posted on 23/03/09
University of Leicester
An award winning University of Leicester Professor is to address the decline nationally in interest in science- and physics in particular- arguing that a change is needed in the way it is taught in schools, colleges and universities.
Professor Derek Raine of the University of Leicester Department of Physics and Astronomy will deliver his inaugural lecture, About the Universe: The Unintended Consequences of Physics, on Tuesday March 24 at 5.30pm in Lecture Theatre 1, Ken Edwards Building, University of Leicester. It is open to the public and free.
Professor Raine who won a National Teaching Fellowship in 2004 and is director of the Leicester Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning in Physics argues that there is too much focus on tradition and not enough innovation in a discipline that holds a crucial key to our future.
He says: Habitually beginning with the mechanics of Newton, the style of Physics teaching in many institutions is often seen as a linear progression through history. This could be an important reason why the subjects appeal has been in decline and therefore why student numbers have remained unchanging at a higher level.
With the success of physics in aiding the revelation of some of the worlds greatest mysteries, our knowledge of the physical universe which surrounds us continues to be broadened. However, peoples recollections of physics often decline after Newtons apple and there is a general unawareness of how physics applies to our daily lives.
The traditional methods of teaching in science have been brought into question. With continual and radical developments being made in physics, these changes should also be reflected in the styles of teaching, even applying these ideas to the fundamental concepts of the discipline which have been established years before.
Professor Raine proposes that the success of physics has relied heavily on the types of problem which it has traditionally tackled. More recent advances in physics have applications to difficult problems, such as how life can emerge from a physical system of interacting atoms. In his talk he proposes to discuss the worlds growing reliance on technology and will question whether the gap between science and society can be bridged by applying techniques from physics, giving examples of some of the progress which has already been made in developing a physics of society.
Professor Raine also proposes that critical issues are raised in science education in terms of methodology and curriculum. The University of Leicester is making great progress within this area, with the establishment of the Physics Innovations Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (piCETL) and the Centre of Interdisciplinary Science, where a wider undergraduate curriculum is being introduced through new modes of learning and a new Interdisciplinary Science degree Programme.
Head of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Leicester Professor Martin Barstow said: "We recognise the problems that Derek is talking about and through his work, and that of colleagues, we are trying to provide some solutions.
"This is done through education and outreach in conjunction with the National Space Centre and, in particular, the East Midlands Space Academy, where we the use context of space and astronomy to teach mainstream science topics."
Professor Raine hopes that with these developments of broadening the relevance and access to science education, more students will be enticed into discovering the relevance of physics and how its progress can shape the world, rather than just remembering the apple!
More information on the lecture and a biographical note for Professor Raine can be seen here: http://www2.le.ac.uk/ebulletin/events/2000-2009/2009/mar/npevent.2008-09-01.1477201276
Latest News
Interactive event to challenge views on museum culture | |
|---|---|
 | University of Leicester PhD organise 'Materiality and Intangibility: Contested Zones', an event for researchers and artists working with museums... 20 Nov 2009 Interactive event to challenge views on museum culture |
An audience with Apollo 16 Astronaut Charlie Duke | |
| 10th Man to walk on the moon to lecture at the University of Leicester in a filled-to-capacity public event... 20 Nov 2009 An audience with Apollo 16 Astronaut Charlie Duke |
The Carbon Benefits Project | |
| Dr Eleanor Milne to speak about this timely work on Thursday 19 November at the University of Leicester ... 20 Nov 2009 The Carbon Benefits Project |
Keeping up with the Joneses in the 18th century | |
| Study day for the University of Leicester's Centre for the Study of the Country House on 24 November... 20 Nov 2009 Keeping up with the Joneses in the 18th century |
Labour rights: constitutional promises vs global realities | |
| Human Rights lecture taking place at the University of Leicester on 24 November. Free and open to the public... 20 Nov 2009 Labour rights: constitutional promises vs global realities |
Related News
Leicester researchers discover new fluorescent silicon nano particles | |
|---|---|
 | University of Leicester research may ultimately allow scientists to track the uptake of drugs by the body s cells... 01 Jul 2009 Leicester researchers discover new fluorescent silicon nano particles |
Bestseller science author addresses University of Leicester researchers | |
 | Dr. Simon Singh shares his knowledge of media production for science at the Festival of Postgraduate Research Award Ceremony on 25th June... 16 Jun 2009 Bestseller science author addresses University of Leicester researchers |
Motivated teachers reduce decline in science | |
| Findings from new Europe-wide research that sought to change pupils and teachers attitudes to science... 17 Mar 2009 Motivated teachers reduce decline in science |
Packed programme of events for National Science and Engineering Week 2008 | |
 | Packed programme of events for National Science and Engineering Week 2008 Loughborough University has organised another packed programme of events for this year s National Science and Engineering Week (NSEW). Taking place from the 8 to the 14 March, the week aims to celebrate science and engineering and their importance to our lives, giving people the chance to participate in science and engineering activities and experiments, and to engage in related discussions in their local area.... 26 Dec 2008 Packed programme of events for National Science and Engineering Week 2008 |
Learning how to find life on Mars | |
| University of Leicester to give young learners a hands-on experience of the science of exploring another planet and the search for evidence of life... 09 Mar 2009 Learning how to find life on Mars |
Relevant News
Loughborough University Award | |
|---|---|
 | A Loughborough University academic has won a prestigious national teaching award. Dr Zoltan Nagy from the Universitys Department of Chemical Engineering has been presented with an ExxonMobil Excellence in Teaching Award. The awards have been established in association with the Royal Academy of Engineering to identify and reward centres of Excellence in Engineering Teaching in the UK and Republic of Ireland.... 24 Dec 2007 Loughborough University Award |
Loughborough University professor is awarded prestigious fellowship | |
 | A Loughborough University professor has been awarded a National Teaching Fellowship by the Higher Education Academy.... 26 Jun 2008 Loughborough University professor is awarded prestigious fellowship |
Packed programme of events for National Science and Engineering Week 2008 | |
| Packed programme of events for National Science and Engineering Week 2008 Loughborough University has organised another packed programme of events for this year s National Science and Engineering Week (NSEW). Taking place from the 8 to the 14 March, the week aims to celebrate science and engineering and their importance to our lives, giving people the chance to participate in science and engineering activities and experiments, and to engage in related discussions in their local area.... 26 Dec 2008 Packed programme of events for National Science and Engineering Week 2008 |
Loughborough University professor is awarded prestigious fellowship | |
| Loughborough University professor is awarded prestigious fellowship A Loughborough University professor has been awarded a National Teaching Fellowship by the Higher Education Academy. The National Teaching Fellowship Scheme (NTFS) celebrates excellence in teaching by recognising individuals who are outstanding as teachers and promoters of learning.... 27 Dec 2008 Loughborough University professor is awarded prestigious fellowship |
Loughborough remains one of UKs top universities in National Student Survey | |
| Loughborough remains one of UK s top universities in National Student Survey Loughborough has again been rated as one of the UK s top universities for student satisfaction in this year s National Student Survey. The survey, published today (11 September), places Loughborough fourth in the UK, based on the percentage of full-time students rating their overall satisfaction with their university course as four or five on a five-point scale.... 29 Dec 2008 Loughborough remains one of UKs top universities in National Student Survey |
Most Read News (today)
Graffiti Workshops in Loughborough and Charnwood | |
|---|---|
 | A SERIES of free graffiti workshops could help creative youngsters avoid a brush with the law. Charnwood Community Safety Partnership, of which Charnwood Borough Council is a partner, is staging the six-week programme of graffiti workshops in three neighbourhoods to give 11 to 16-year-olds an alternative means of expression rather than daubing slogans and images on buildings throughout the Borough.... 18 Jul 2008 Graffiti Workshops in Loughborough and Charnwood |
Loughborough MP Announces Free Chess Sets for Schools | |
 | Andy Reed MP today announced the giving away of chess sets to schools. The chess sets are available for schools as part of a scheme to provide a quarter of a million chess sets into the school network. Negotiations with manufacturers and distributors means that ten sets and boards can be offered to every school in England. ... 13 Feb 2008 Loughborough MP Announces Free Chess Sets for Schools |
Mini moto campaign in Loughborough is a crushing success. | |
 | 14 motorbikes and mini-motos have been crushed after they were confiscated by police in Loughborough during a crack down on young people who drive dangerously and inconsiderately on roads, parks and public places.... 02 Jul 2008 Mini moto campaign in Loughborough is a crushing success. |
The Carbon Benefits Project | |
| Dr Eleanor Milne to speak about this timely work on Thursday 19 November at the University of Leicester ... 20 Nov 2009 The Carbon Benefits Project |
Robot in Loughborough Town Centre | |
 | Reports are coming in that Loughborough Town Centre was yesterday infiltrated by a giant robot. The robot which some eye witnesses say they saw in Market Place and Market Street at various times yesterday afternoon stood some 8ft tall, was metallic in colour, had blue glowing eyes and spoke in sound bites.... 27 May 2008 Robot in Loughborough Town Centre |
Most Read News (this month)
Leicestershire County Council reveals results of groundbreaking archaeology survey | |
|---|---|
 | Community Services29 October 2009Leicestershire County Council reveals results of groundbreaking archaeology surveyLeicestershire County Council today held a press conference at Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre to announce the conclusion of a groundbreaking three year archaeological survey to locate the battle of Bosworth, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund grant. Battlefields Trust archaeologist, Glenn Foard, revealed an exciting collection of finds from the Battle of Bosworth of international archaeological significance.... 30 Oct 2009 Leicestershire County Council reveals results of groundbreaking archaeology survey |
Loughborough Fair | |
| The popular, annual Charnwood Borough Council-organised event will open at 6pm on Wednesday, November 11th and run until Saturday, November 14th 2009.... 03 Nov 2009 Loughborough Fair |
Police searching for missing man have found a body | |
 | Police searching for missing man have found a bodyPolice searching for a 77 year old man from Loughborough, who has been missing since yesterday evening, have found the body of a man. Ernest Sanham from Park Road in Loughborough, was admitted to the Leicester General Hospital on Thursday 22nd October 2009 suffering from confusion.... 26 Oct 2009 Police searching for missing man have found a body |
Loughborough shoppers to benefit from Bonfire Night Advice | |
| Information about being safe on Bonfire Night will be available for shoppers who visit Loughborough town centre on Wednesday.... 03 Nov 2009 Loughborough shoppers to benefit from Bonfire Night Advice |
GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY RAISES TWENTY THOUSAND POUNDS FOR CHARITY | |
| Street children in the third world and some of the most endangered animals on the planet are set to benefit from generous visitors the Great Central Railway. The award winning Leicestershire heritage line teamed up with two charities to raise money at special gala events.... 26 Oct 2009 GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY RAISES TWENTY THOUSAND POUNDS FOR CHARITY |
Most Read News (alltime)
Graffiti Workshops in Loughborough and Charnwood | |
|---|---|
| A SERIES of free graffiti workshops could help creative youngsters avoid a brush with the law. Charnwood Community Safety Partnership, of which Charnwood Borough Council is a partner, is staging the six-week programme of graffiti workshops in three neighbourhoods to give 11 to 16-year-olds an alternative means of expression rather than daubing slogans and images on buildings throughout the Borough.... 18 Jul 2008 Graffiti Workshops in Loughborough and Charnwood |
Loughborough MP Announces Free Chess Sets for Schools | |
| Andy Reed MP today announced the giving away of chess sets to schools. The chess sets are available for schools as part of a scheme to provide a quarter of a million chess sets into the school network. Negotiations with manufacturers and distributors means that ten sets and boards can be offered to every school in England. ... 13 Feb 2008 Loughborough MP Announces Free Chess Sets for Schools |
Robot in Loughborough Town Centre | |
| Reports are coming in that Loughborough Town Centre was yesterday infiltrated by a giant robot. The robot which some eye witnesses say they saw in Market Place and Market Street at various times yesterday afternoon stood some 8ft tall, was metallic in colour, had blue glowing eyes and spoke in sound bites.... 27 May 2008 Robot in Loughborough Town Centre |
Mini moto campaign in Loughborough is a crushing success. | |
| 14 motorbikes and mini-motos have been crushed after they were confiscated by police in Loughborough during a crack down on young people who drive dangerously and inconsiderately on roads, parks and public places.... 02 Jul 2008 Mini moto campaign in Loughborough is a crushing success. |
Radical plans to personalise social care in Leicestershire | |
 | Radical changes to social care in Leicestershire will be outlined at a meeting next week. The County Council wants to personalise its social care and will update the Cabinet on the plans next Tuesday (29th July).... 22 Jul 2008 Radical plans to personalise social care in Leicestershire |