Authentic Learning in Physics Laboratories: A Case Study from Beijing Institute of Technology

Abstract

Authentic learning is designed for second-year undergraduates majoring in science and engineering at Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT). Students form teams to investigate diverse topics rooted in fundamental physical phenomena observed in nature, daily life, or industrial applications. The learning process involves literature review, experimental design, setup construction, data analysis, and final report writing. Over a semester, students significantly improve their abilities to analyze and solve complex problems. This paper outlines the content, methodology, assessment, and outcomes of the authentic learning approach implemented at BIT, aiming to provide a reproducible model for physics laboratory education reform in Chinese universities.