Peter Gustafsson

Gender inclusive physics education?a distance case

In earlier studies, it has been demonstrated that cooperative work has a positive influence on physics distance learning at university entrance level. In this paper, it is shown clearly that this teaching method in physics is advantageous for both genders. In fact, the collaboration seems to help male students more than female students to manage the course and to complete it. No difference was seen between the genders either in performance, measured in throughput (productivity) for the course, or in intrinsic motivation. Without cooperative work, the productivity for male students is far lower than for female students.

Improved method in distance teaching of physics

Results of introducing cooperative working methods on a distance learning course in physics are reported. This has increased the throughput of students in the course as measured in the number of ECTS points generated by the students. There is no significant indication that students more experienced in academic studies manage to complete the course more often than those with less experience. In student groups where the cooperative concept was fully realized a larger gain of knowledge was achieved, as measured by the force concept inventory test. Hence, it is important for the tutor to monitor activities in the groups by follow-up questions during the course and to stress the importance of all students participating actively.

Anisotropy of the itinerant-electron Zeeman splitting in iridium

A thorough investigation of the spin-splitting factor for the Gamma 6 Fermi surface sheet of iridium has been performed. Several spin-splitting zero contours have been mapped out together with the amplitude variation in the symmetry planes, giving a detailed picture of the anisotropy of the cyclotron orbit g-factor.

Anisotropy of the conduction electron Zeeman splitting on the X-pocket holes in palladium

The conduction electron Zeeman splitting has been measured on the X-centred hole pockets in palladium utilising the de Haas-van Alphen technique. Two spin-splitting zero contours have been revealed and a large anisotropy was found for the cyclotron orbit g-factor (gc). The variation of the gc-factor on the X pockets is compared with previous results on Fermi surface sheets in palladium and platinum.

Anisotropy of the conduction electron Zeeman splitting in rhodium

Anisotropy of the conduction electron Zeeman splitting has been found on part of the Gamma 6 sheet in rhodium utilising the de Haas-van Alphen technique. Three spin-splitting zeros in the (110) plane have been revealed, leading to a large anisotropy of the cyclotron orbit g factor.

Measurement of the conduction electron Zeeman splitting in platinum

Abstract The cyclotron orbit g -factor in platinum has been investigated using the de Haas-van Alphen effect. Several new features of the spin splitting zero (SSZ) contours of the Γ-centered electron sheet have been established. Six closed spin splitting zero contours of the fundamental of this sheet have been mapped out together with several branches of spin splitting zero contours of the second harmonic. The results give an almost complete determination of the anisotropy of the cyclotron orbit g -factor of the Γ-centered electron sheet in platinum.

The subject of technology in the Swedish elementary school, seen through the magnifier of the research circle

Technology has been a compulsory subject in the Swedish school curriculum since 1980. However, many primary school teachers say that they do not feel comfortable with teaching technology. This often results in a teaching time that is a (too) small part of the total teaching time of science and technology. In addition, studies show that pupils are probably not given equivalent education as the syllabi may be interpreted in different ways. Against this background, we have conducted three research circles under the guidance of researchers, in three municipalities in the Malardalen region, addressing teachers working in preschool class to grade 6. Each circle had up to five participants and had five meetings during one year. Based on the teachers’ own questions and needs we have studied didactic literature connected to the subject of technology, discussed the syllabi for technology and different forms of teaching support. An existing model for pedagogical content knowledge in technology has been used to interpret the activities in the research circles. The teachers experienced and appreciated the opportunities to work with the subject content linked to the syllabi for technology and saw ways to integrate technology with other school subjects.

The problem-solving process in physics as observed when engineering students at university level work in groups

The problem-solving process is investigated for five groups of students when solving context-rich problems in an introductory physics course included in an engineering programme. Through transcripts of their conversation, the paths in the problem-solving process have been traced and related to a general problem-solving model. All groups exhibit backward moves to earlier stages in the problem-solving process. These earlier stages are revisited by the groups for identifying sub-problems, setting parameter values or even restating the goal. We interpret this action as coming from the fact that the students have not yet developed a knowledge base and a problem-solving scheme. Connected to the backward moves in the process are opportunities for the group members to build such a knowledge base from contributions and experiences from all group members. Problem contents that induce such moves are identified and can thus be considered by science teachers when constructing problems for group work.

Experimental study of itinerant Zeeman splitting in platinum group metals

Abstract The conduction electron Zeeman splitting has been measured by means of the de Haas-van Alphen effect. Results are presented for the Γ-centered electron sheet in Pd, Pt and Ir, and for the α-orbit in Pd and Pt. Measurements from the X-pocket in Pd are also reported.

Measurements of the conduction electron g-factor in platinum

Abstract The anisotropy of the cyclotron orbit g -factor in platinum has been studied through mapping out spin splitting zero contours of the fundamental and second harmonic on the Γ-centered electron sheet using the de Haas-van Alphen effect. Several new features of the spin splitting zero contours of the fundamental have been established.