Dr. Colleen Countryman and Dr. Hong Wang have been researching the educational impact of brief Kahn Academy-style YouTube videos that directly connect mathematical concepts to physical applications. Students were first required to attempt a few physics problems outside of class that require a specific mathematical skill set, such as calculating a cross product, correctly identifying integral bounds, or solving a system of equations which emerges from a Kirchoff’s Law circuit problem. They were then required to watch a YouTube video which specifically addressed how to perform these mathematical operations in a physical setting. An in-class quiz followed the video to demonstrate student gains in these problem-solving skills. Preliminary results indicate that students’ understanding of these concepts increased in a statistically significant manner. We are currently in the process of extending these videos from the introductory electricity & magnetism course to the introductory mechanics course.
