LSC Physics Lecturer
LSC Physics Lecturer
The Learning Strategies Center (LSC) is the central academic support unit for all undergraduates at Cornell University. Through program offerings that encourage students to develop effective approaches to mastering the academic rigors of Cornell, the LSC strives actively to engage students in the learning process and support their efforts to become more successful and independent learners. We are committed to addressing the emerging needs of Cornell’s diverse student body – in order that all students meet and exceed Cornell University’s high academic standards. Last year, more than 10,000 student-visits were made to LSC office hours, tutorials, consultations, and workshops, and more than 1,400 students participated in LSC courses.
The Learning Strategies Center at Cornell University seeks an experienced instructor to teach active-learning based courses designed to strengthen the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in introductory physics courses, organize and run the Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (UTAs) and tutor program and to develop, and implement peer-led learning support. The successful candidate will be knowledgeable in effective classroom pedagogies to foster problem solving abilities of students and to encourage them to be independent and efficient learners, develop materials to guide student learning, and be able to work with students in office hours. The candidate will also have experience training, managing, and mentoring undergraduates to provide peer-led learning support. The candidate will contribute to the assessment of the courses they teach and of the peer-led learning support programs. The candidate will be responsive to the ongoing development of alternatives that will continue to provide support for emerging student needs.
This is a three-year renewable 9-month academic appointment beginning in Spring ’18 ideal .
Responsibilities
As a member of the Learning Strategies Center, the candidate is expected to participate in LSC meetings and meet regularly with the Director of the LSC.
Teaching
- Teach LSC’s Physics 1012 and Physics 1013 course in Fall and Spring semesters. These are 1 cr supplemental problem solving course for Physics 1112 (Mechanics) and Physics 2213 (Electricity and Magnetism). Emphasis is on development a deep understanding of basic concepts in Electricity & Magnetism through solving problems and exploring at real life applications and helping students develop effective learning strategies.
- Attend Physics 1112/2213 (parent courses) lectures to become knowledgeable in content, concepts, and approaches, as well as the specific learning outcomes and topics for each class.
- Develop activities and materials for weekly sections that enhance conceptual learning of topics covered and problem solving in Phys1112/2213 to help students succeed.
- Include in the support course transferable skills that incorporate successful strategies for the deep learning of physics, such as critical thinking and reading, effective note-taking, prelim preparation, stress reduction, time-management, and procrastination reduction.
- Promote the ability of students to learn in groups and independently.
- Offer at least 7 regular office hours per week.
- Provide feedback on students’ academic progress.
- In collaboration with the LSC Director, assess the effectiveness of Physics 1012/3 in fostering student learning and success.
- Submit reports on student use of supplemental course support and recommendations for future support.
Peer-led learning support
- Be familiar with course offerings and content in the introductory physics courses.
- Recruit, interview, hire, and run a general “Physics Learning Center” in the afternoons and evenings Sunday through Thursday with tutors/experienced UTAs. The Learning Center would be open to students in all physics courses.
- Evaluate the needs of the physics courses supported by UTAs for staffing determination.
- Recruit, interview, and hire UTAs.
- Coordinate/schedule UTA assignments in discussion sections, labs, classes, and study halls for physics courses.
- Meet regularly with UTAs to discuss effective teaching and facilitation strategies and other topics as needed. Coordinate student peer-observations of their facilitation.
- Review and revise the current UTA program.
- In collaboration with the LSC Director, assess the effectiveness and impact of the peer-led learning support.
- Submit reports on student use of peer-led learning support and recommendations for future support.
On-going needs & communication
- Collaborate with the LSC Director and the Physics Department to determine if there are alternatives to current courses or LSC support that would allow for more individualized preparation for and support of success in physics courses. Develop, implement, and assess new approaches as necessary.
- Regularly reach out to faculty in Physics to increase awareness of LSC support for students in their courses. Develop strategies, in consultation with Physics faculty, to communicate LSC support to students.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will have:
- An advanced degree in physics or in teaching physics; PhD preferred.
- Two to four years of experience teaching college-level physics.
- Knowledge of effective pedagogies and learning strategies.
- Demonstrated commitment to supporting academic achievement of diverse students.
- Ability to work with minimal supervisor and to have a team-oriented approach to student learning.
- Excellent planning, organization, and coordination skills
- Experience in curricular development and assessment preferred.
Application Requirements
- CV
- General letter of interest
- Teaching statement
In addition, applicants may be asked to provide names and contact information of three people able to provide information on the applicant’s teaching and her/his ability to work with diverse students.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
No relocation assistance is provided for this position.
Background check may be required.
To be considered for this position, please direct the materials above to Jennie Babcock at jks95@cornell.edu
Diversity and inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. WE are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.
Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.
2017-04-25-07:00
