Teaching methods in Physics – online course for students of Physics department in the framework of MOMA project

In the framework of the MOMA project to develop a research-based curriculum in Molecular and Materials Science, Professor Heidi Reinholz from Rostock University (Germany) and lecturer Tran Thi Huong Xuan (UD-UEd) organized the course “Methodology of Teaching Physics” for students of Physics department – University of Science and Education (UD-UEd) – The University of Danang. This course is a chance for students to develop their competencies, including communication and foreign language, creating a premise for students to approach up-to-date research fields from professional professors of prestigious universities in the world. This is the first time that a subject in the cluster of professional competence in education in general and Methodology of teaching Physics in particular has been integrated to teach in English, helping pedagogical students to approach update training orientations and teaching methods are being organized at universities around the world.

Facing the complicated development of COVID-19, the course is implemented in the form of online teaching which delivered by Professor Heidi Reinholz from the University of Rostock and the assistant of Tran Thi Huong Xuan from UD-UEd. Participating in the course are second-year students of Physics department, lecturers in the division of teaching methodology of Physics and lecturers from partner universities such as Hanoi University of Education (HNUE), Quy Nhon University (QNU) and Can Tho University (CTU).

Overcoming the difficulty of distance learning, the lectures in the course are designed with the aim of enhancing the utilization of digital in teaching, creating favorable conditions for pedagogical students to increase their applicability in applying information technology to the teaching process, adapt to the requirements of educational innovation in the era of technology 4.0 as well as respond to sudden changes in the difficult situation of epidemics. Nevertheless, the professor also designs teaching activities, especially instructions for the use of software to organize experiments in teaching Physics. As a result, the lessons are no longer monotonous in a one-way explanation, but enhance students’ action ability, stimulate students’ learning motivation, and connect students with professors’ lectures vividly. At the same time, it breaks the barrier of distance learning.

The professor applies a variety of teaching methods, including presentations, group discussion, practice and project-based learning. With the use of Padlet software, the gap between teacher and student is shortened. Students can interact with teachers, register and accept learning tasks, learning materials, submit assignments while the teacher can control the learning progress of students. Therefore, the online teaching will promote its advantages in education and training.

Students participate in the online classes fully and enthusiastically

Professor Heidi Reinholz delivers the online lectures to students, staff, and lecturers of Vietnamese universities

The course’s assistant (PhD Tran Thi Huong Xuan) support students during the learning process to implement tasks