TEACHING PHYSICS: CUP: cooperative learning that works

A cooperative learning strategy has been developed to help first-year tertiary students overcome common misconceptions in mechanics. In this Conceptual Understanding Programme (CUP), students work on exercises alone, then in threes and finally discuss their views in the whole class. This process encourages students to actively think about and modify their views and it results in a high level of participation and satisfaction. The strategy can be implemented without major changes to a teaching programme.