Comparing interaction network structures across active learning pedagogies in physics

As instructors continue to implement a range of active learning pedagogies in introductory physics classes, it is important to identify distinguishing features of these curricula. Given that opportunities to engage in peer discussions embody a core premise of active learning, one feature of interest is the ways in which students interact with one another. As part of the larger Characterizing Active Learning Environments in Physics project, in fall 2023 we collected students' self-reported peer interactions in 19 introductory mechanics courses taught using one of four different active learning pedagogies: Peer Instruction, SCALE-UP, ISLE, and Tutorials. In this talk, we will present our preliminary findings from applying social network analysis methods to these data. We use temporal exponential random graph models to quantify changes in peer interaction networks from the beginning to the end of the semester within each course. The results illuminate how different active learning curricula may shape students' social networks.