Two colleagues and I originally published this paper in 2006, but it is still true today. Our paper has been alluded to in a Scientific American blog and has been cited by a number of intro physics faculty in their course materials. It serves as a useful encouragement both for faculty and students. The article discusses The Fantasy of the Miracle Finish, The Fantasy of the Soft Hearted Professor, The Fantasy that College is a Simple Extension of High School. The Fantasy that Weak Areas Won’t Be Tested. and The Fantasy that Passing is More Important than Learning.
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