Rate My Professor Wendell Potter

Potter was a pioneer in physics education research, particularly in developing innovative introductory courses for non-majors and bioscience students. In 1995, he and his colleagues created Physics 7, a large-enrollment course grounded in constructivist theory that emphasizes model-based reasoning, interactive engagement, and collaborative learning through limited lectures and extensive discussion/laboratory sessions. He led the implementation of Collaborative Learning through Active Sense-making in Physics (CLASP), with sixteen years of data showing enhanced student outcomes and equity across demographics. His research explored instructor-student interactions, assessment methods, and reformed pedagogies. Notable publications include "Sixteen years of collaborative learning through active sense-making in physics (CLASP) at UC Davis" (American Journal of Physics, 2014), "Grading by Response Category: A simple method for providing feedback while minimizing grading time" (The Physics Teacher, 2014), and College Physics: A Models Approach (Part 2) (University of California, Davis, 2011). Potter received the UC Davis Distinguished Teaching Award, Academic Senate Distinguished Teaching Award, and Academic Federation Lecturer of the Year award. His legacy includes Potter Hall residence named in his honor and a memorial session at the AAPT 2018 Summer Meeting titled "Models-based Physics Education - A Wendell Potter Memorial." He passed away on January 8, 2017.