The Department of Physics and Astronomy proudly presents the S. Town Stephenson Distinguished Lecture featuring Dr. David J. Griffiths, Emeritus Professor of Physics, Reed College. Dr. Griffiths will present his talk, “Reflections on the Power of Instruction” on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 4:10 p.m. in Webster B17.
Meet for refreshments before the lecture at 3:45 – 4:10pm and a reception for Dr. Griffiths will follow the lecture.
Abstract: Higher education faces a number of serious challenges, including ever-increasing tuition, expanding student and faculty diversity, questions about the value of a degree, and of course the distraction of football and fraternities. I will address a different issue: the generally poor quality of instruction, specifically in physics. What are its causes, and what are some possible remedies? You will not agree with everything I have to say, but I do promise to be provocative.