Using Worked Examples to Teach Atmospheric Dynamics

The Worked Examples pedagogy seeks to help students understand content through guided examples of problems that apply key concepts. The essential component of these examples are a series of self-explanation prompts interspersed throughout each example, designed to encourage students to critically examine the given scenario, but also help address and correct anticipated and/or common misunderstandings. Given that many Atmospheric Dynamics courses emphasize solving various word problems to apply physical concepts, the worked examples pedagogy is a method that aligns well with typical student assessments and student preference for focusing on application of content.

During the Spring 2017 and Fall 2017 semesters, Worked Examples were utilized as the primary instructional tool for the two-semester Atmospheric Dynamics course sequence at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The structure of the course sequence, sample worked examples, and a typical class period will be described. Qualitative and quantitative assessments of the approach in comparison to the traditional lecture method will be provided, as well as suggestions for instructors wishing to implement the technique in their own courses.