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| Paper: |
An Inquiry-Based Vision Science Activity for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Research Scientists |
| Volume: |
436, Learning from Inquiry In Practice |
| Page: |
226 |
| Authors: |
Putnam, N. M.; Maness, H. L.; Rossi, E. A.; Hunter, J. J. |
| Abstract: |
The vision science activity was originally designed for the 2007
Center for Adaptive Optics (CfAO) Summer School. Participants were
graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and professionals
studying the basics of adaptive optics. The majority were working in
fields outside vision science, mainly astronomy and engineering. The
primary goal of the activity was to give participants first-hand
experience with the use of a wavefront sensor designed for clinical
measurement of the aberrations of the human eye and to demonstrate
how the resulting wavefront data generated from these measurements
can be used to assess optical quality. A secondary goal was to
examine the role wavefront measurements play in the investigation of
vision-related scientific questions. In 2008, the activity was
expanded to include a new section emphasizing defocus and
astigmatism and vision testing/correction in a broad sense. As many
of the participants were future post-secondary educators, a final
goal of the activity was to highlight the inquiry-based approach as
a distinct and effective alternative to traditional laboratory
exercises. Participants worked in groups throughout the activity and
formative assessment by a facilitator (instructor) was used to ensure that
participants made progress toward the content goals. At the close
of the activity, participants gave short presentations about their
work to the whole group, the major points of which were referenced
in a facilitator-led synthesis lecture. We discuss highlights and
limitations of the vision science activity in its current format
(2008 and 2009 summer schools) and make recommendations for its
improvement and adaptation to different audiences. |
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