The research of Mila Kryjevskaia, NDSU associate professor of physics, is featured in the August issue of Physics Today magazine. She is one of the authors of the feature story, “Intuitive or Rational? Students and Experts Need to Be Both.”
Kryjevskaia wrote the article with Paula Heron, professor of physics at the University of Washington, Seattle, and Andrew Heckler, professor of physics at The Ohio State University, Columbus.
The authors’ research into dual-process theories of reasoning from cognitive psychology suggests using both intuitive and rational approaches may improve classroom instruction in physics.
“Rather than learn to reflexively discount their intuitions, students should be taught that intuition and formal knowledge are both important and can — and often do — interact fruitfully,” the authors said. “Instruction that makes the dual nature of thinking explicit and visible to students may affect teaching in ways that extend beyond improvements in student performance.” The authors said it also may “help bolster students’ sense of self-worth and belonging in physics.”
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Kryjevskaia joined the NDSU faculty in 2008. She earned her diploma in physics from Rostov State University, Russia, and her doctorate in physics at the University of Washington. Her research centers on physics education.
Kryjevskaia is the Meier Junior Professor for the College of Science and Mathematics. She received NDSU’s Peltier Award for Teaching Innovation in 2019 and the 2003 Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award from the American Association of Physics Teachers.
