Frances Brown

As a faculty member, Dr. Brown's research focuses on enhancing physics education through innovative curricular strategies. Her dissertation explored the impact of explicit, analogous problem comparisons on novice problem-solving practices among engineering physics students. The study demonstrated improved selection of physically relevant examples and higher overall course performance. Dr. Brown extended this research to a broader context at Penn State Altoona, refining the methodology for introductory algebra-based and engineering-based physics students.

• B.S. Physics and Applied Mathematics, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)
• Ph.D. Physics, Kansas State University (KSU)

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• Development of curricular strategies to enhance novice problem-solving practices in physics
• Investigation of students' reliance on surface features in selecting examples for homework problems
• Exploration of the effectiveness of explicit, analogous problem comparisons in improving students' selection of physically meaningful examples
• Examination of students' perceptions of problem comparison tasks and identification of motivators for individual participation
• Repetition of the study in different classroom environments to refine project design and improve problem-solving performance
• Addressing challenges in implementing successful educational strategies within institutional constraints
• Research on scientific ethics in STEM education, including a qualitative survey to understand students' perceptions of academic assistance and cheating
• Utilization of the survey to make institutional policies explicit and inhibit cheating at the beginning of the semester
• Development of a curriculum for an online Rocket Science course aligned with discovery-based learning methodologies
• Integration of mechanical physics and thermal physics concepts through the use of a videogame-style simulator, "Kerbal Space Program"
• Ongoing challenges in sustaining interest, learning advanced algebraic manipulation, and overcoming failed launch attempts in the Rocket Science course
• Consideration of further development incorporating the use of "Universe Sandbox2," an orbital simulator, for a comprehensive learning experience.