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Title: Effectiveness of an online homework tutorial about changing basis in quantum mechanics
Changing basis is a common task when solving quantum mechanical problems. As part of a research project investigating student understanding of basis and change of basis in quantum mechanics, we developed a tutorial to support students in learning about basis in the context of spin-1/2 systems. We have since created an interactive online version of the basis tutorial as part of a freely available suite of online quantum tutorials called ACE Physics (https://acephysics.net). The ACE Physics tutorials include dynamic guidance elements and, unlike other tutorials, are intended for use outside the classroom without instructor facilitation. After extensive study in an instructor-supported environment, we assigned the ACE Physics basis tutorial as homework in two semesters of upper-division quantum mechanics, and we report on the effectiveness of the activity based on pre-/post-testing and comparison of student exam performance with a similar semester that did not include the activity. We find that the tutorial produces sufficient learning gains to justify continued assignment as a homework problem in our classes.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2012147
PAR ID:
10440914
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Effectiveness of an online homework tutorial about changing basis in quantum mechanics
Page Range / eLocation ID:
118 to 123
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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