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Project Brief
Promoting
Physics Learning And Teaching Opportunities (PPLATO)
FDTL4
Project Number 159/02 Term
3 years from November 2002
PPLATO
is a Consortium project led by the University of Reading with Brunel University,
Open University, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, University of Plymouth and
University of Salford. It addresses
two key issues facing the physics HE community -
teaching mathematics to physics undergraduates and widening participation in
undergraduate physics. PPLATO will
survey and evaluate current practice in these areas, developing and
disseminating an extensive range of new resources and good practice, building on
previous successful developments and experiences.
These will be free or at nominal cost to the sector.
Project outcomes are expected to be improved student competence in
mathematics and physics and wider participation and improved retention in
undergraduate physics.
New
resources will include flexible materials for teaching, diagnostics, assessment
and tutorial support, with effective strategies for their use.
A generic Foundation Year programme for entry into physics and
engineering degree courses will be developed and made available to the sector
electronically. A key feature of
the conduct of the project will be the close liaison with the sector throughout,
establishing what is currently being done and seeking a consensus approach to
the problems and a sharing of resources. Implementation
Sites for developmental use of the emerging PPLATO resources will be sought so
that evaluation, reflection and response will characterise the project.
Institutions wishing to take part in this undertaking and to have access
to the developing resources should contact the Project Director, Mike
Tinker.
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staff
The Team