The UNESCO Active Learning in Optics and Photonics project is designed for the benefit of teachers of introductory university physics from developing countries. Initial implementation has taken place in two African nations, Ghana and Tunisia. The training curriculum includes student materials to teach topics in geometrical and physical optics in an active way with a high level of student involvement in the learning process. The curriculum makes use of simple, inexpensive materials. A conceptual learning assessment instrument is being developed as part of the project. Follow-up activities are planned. Experiences of the international group of workshop trainers are reported.

Engaging undergraduate students in the Philippines in photonics research with a novel publication-driven online mentoring approach," Proc.ABSTRACT This paper discusses a publication-driven, education-by-research model of engaging undergraduate students in Photonics/Optics/Physics research by requiring that all activities lead to journal publication within a year. It is based on a non-traditional university-industry collaboration arrangement that has the following unique features.First, it utilizes offshore-based alumni (in the USA) who are active in science and technology research as mentors for the students (in the Philippines) in conjunction with the university professor advisers. We adopt inexpensive online collaboration technologies to support their virtual presence.Second, our research topic "fuses" uniquely two separate courses of study, namely: (i) the traditional Special Relativity in Physics and (ii) the fast emerging Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), into an innovative research area we have called "Special-Relativity-on-a-Chip". It has the flavor of physics education combined with a taste of the latest in PICs technology. It enhances the textbook understanding of Physics/Engineering while providing potential publication opportunities.Third, the research activities are focused mainly on modelling, simulations and design. These activities strengthen students' learning since they concentrate on and master specific mathematical/Physics/programming skills. The goal of the project is to publish 5 journal papers, and so far, (i) 3 journal papers have been published, (ii) 1 international conference paper has been accepted for oral presentation, and (iii) 3 national conference papers have been submitted for publication.We also examine the existing research structure in the university to ensure the project's success and share best practices.

Based on physics education goals adopted at the 2005 World Conference on Physics and Sustainable Development, the workshop on "Active learning in optics and photonics (ALOP)" has been described as a model for teacher training and professional development. This paper describes the basic philosophy and elements of the workshop and how it has served physics teachers in schools and introductory college/university in the developing world. Its main philosophy of fostering modern hands-on learning techniques-adapted to local culture, needs and availability of teaching resources-is elaborated. The workshop provides the participants with a conceptual evaluation instrument, drawn from relevant physics education research, giving teachers an important tool to measure student learning.

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Abstract:A project seeking to improve capacities in teaching Optics and Photonics in university introductory physics courses and benefit teachers in developing countries will be implemented by international collaboration. Active learning modules in Optics will be based on available resources and inexpensive materials. Most workshop facilitators will come from developing countries.