An introduction to physics education research

At a number of U.S. universities, some physicists are focusing their research effort on physics education research (PER). This paper examines this development in terms of the knowledge of teaching and learning, curriculum projects and practices it has produced. First, a selective review of research and curriculum development projects provides an introduction to PER for readers unfamiliar with it. Studies based on surveys and interviews are emphasized, as well as curriculum projects that make use of microcomputer-based laboratory tools (MBL). Other efforts are mentioned more briefly, but illustrate the breath of research and development activity. Following the review, I examine the evidence for the effectiveness of some of the curricula discussed, and identify three areas in which greater interaction between the PER and educational researchers working in other fields should be fostered: (a) statistical data analysis, (b) micro-analysis of learning situations, and (c) ways in which subject matter knowledge in physics can contribute to school-based projects and educational research. The concluding section of the paper argues for multi-disciplinary graduate programs in physics education, which are intended to provide a solid base in physics as well as research and innovation in education.