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A modeling-based interactive engagement method to teach a calculus-based introductory physics course is a contemporary teaching method.To analyze the effects of modeling-based instruction and interactive engagement on students conceptual understanding and problem solving ability in an introductory physics course,both quantitative and qualitative research methods were chosen.To address the research questions,multiple-choice conceptual surveys,Lickert scale question surveys were administered,pre-and post-instruction and open-ended surveys were administered. Students volunteered to be interviewed, on an individual basis,throughout the course.It helps students to improve their understanding and learning physics. The students find the modeling-based interactive engagement method of learning and understanding physics to be a positive experience. Also,the results of interviews indicate that students problem solving ability seemed to be improved.In light of these results,it is evident that the modeling-based interactive engagement method has made a positive impact on the introductory calculus-based physics course at Purdue University.

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Dr Funda Ornek BS in Enginnering Physics at Istanbul Technical University in Turkey, MA in Science Education at University of Colorado in USA and Ph.Din Physics Education at Purdue University in USA. She is currently a faculty member of Science Education at Bahrain Teachers College, University of Bahrain in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

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