Innovation-oriented tertiary STEM education: The application of concept connectivity in modern physics

Abstract

We propose an innovation-oriented pedagogical framework to improve physics education at the tertiary level that not only equips students with an interdisciplinary understanding of concepts but also instills mathematical rigor and practical laboratory skills. We call this framework concept connectivity, which involves integrating concepts from special relativity with optics, photonics, and electronics. This framework utilizes a student's knowledge in one field of study as an analogue to learn a new field of study, making it easier for students to not only learn new concepts but also establish connections among them. To further enhance this framework, we call for (i) expanding its application to other STEM disciplines and (ii) the facilitation of a workshop catered to Philippine STEM educators.