Benjamin Spike

Dr. Benjamin Spike (Ph.D., University of Colorado-Boulder) serves as the Director of Active Learning at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Physics Department. He has led the transition to design-based laboratory activities in General Physics I & II (103/104) since 2017.

• Education: Ph.D. in Physics (2014), M.S. in Physics (2010) from University of Colorado-Boulder; B.S. in Physics and Mathematics (2007) from UW-Madison

His research focuses on physics education reform with an emphasis on:

• Active learning implementation
• Design-based laboratory pedagogy
• Teaching assistant training frameworks
• Formative assessment through digital tools
• Physics teacher preparation

Publications highlight his work on pedagogical frameworks, conceptual understanding, and educational reform strategies. Current projects include the UW Physics REACH initiative and development of collaborative learning approaches inspired by ISLE/SCL models.

Contact: btspike@wisc.edu | (608) 265-2052