Challenges in Physics Education – serie

This book describes novel approaches designed to enhance the professional training of physics teachers, and explores innovations in the teaching and learning of physics in the classroom and laboratory. It features selected contributions from the International Research Group on Physics Teaching (GIREP) and Multimedia in Physics Teaching and Learning (MPTL) Conference, held in Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain, in July 2018, which brought together two communities: researchers in physics education and physics teachers. The book covers a broad range of topics, highlighting important aspects of the relationship between research and innovation in the teaching of physics, and presenting fresh insights to help improve learning processes and instruction. Offering a contemporary vision of physics teaching and the learning process, the book is of interest to all teachers and researchers committed to teaching and learning physics on the basis of good evidence.

This book describes novel approaches designed to enhance the professional training of physics teachers, and explores innovations in the teaching and learning of physics in the classroom and laboratory. It features selected contributions from the International Research Group on Physics Teaching (GIREP) and Multimedia in Physics Teaching and Learning (MPTL) Conference, held in Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain, in July 2018, which brought together two communities: researchers in physics education and physics teachers. The book covers a broad range of topics, highlighting important aspects of the relationship between research and innovation in the teaching of physics, and presenting fresh insights to help improve learning processes and instruction. Offering a contemporary vision of physics teaching and the learning process, the book is of interest to all teachers and researchers committed to teaching and learning physics on the basis of good evidence.

This book presents research contributions focussing on the introduction of contemporary physics topics – mainly, but not exclusively, quantum physics – into high school currciula. Despite the important advances and discoveries in quantum physics and relativity which have revolutionized our views of nature and our everyday lives, the presence of these topics in high school physics education is still lacking.  In this book physics education researchers report on the teaching and learning of quantum physics from different perspectives and discuss the design and use of different pedagogical approaches and educational pathways. There is still much debate as to what content is appropriate at high school level as well what pedagogical approaches and strategies should be adopted to support student learning. Currently there is a greater focus on how to teach modern physics at the high school level rather than classical physics. However, teachers still lack experience and availability of appropriate teaching and learning materials to support the coherent integration of Quantum Physics in high school curricula. All of the 19 papers presented in this book discuss innovative approaches for enhancing physics education in schools.

This book presents research contributions focussing on the introduction of contemporary physics topics – mainly, but not exclusively, quantum physics – into high school currciula. Despite the important advances and discoveries in quantum physics and relativity which have revolutionized our views of nature and our everyday lives, the presence of these topics in high school physics education is still lacking.  In this book physics education researchers report on the teaching and learning of quantum physics from different perspectives and discuss the design and use of different pedagogical approaches and educational pathways. There is still much debate as to what content is appropriate at high school level as well what pedagogical approaches and strategies should be adopted to support student learning. Currently there is a greater focus on how to teach modern physics at the high school level rather than classical physics. However, teachers still lack experience and availability of appropriate teaching and learning materials to support the coherent integration of Quantum Physics in high school curricula. All of the 19 papers presented in this book discuss innovative approaches for enhancing physics education in schools.

This book offers a comprehensive overview of the theoretical background and practice of physics teaching and learning and assists in the integration of highly interesting topics into physics lessons. Researchers in the field, including experienced educators, discuss basic theories, the methods and some contents of physics teaching and learning, highlighting new and traditional perspectives on physics instruction. A major aim is to explain how physics can be taught and learned effectively and in a manner enjoyable for both the teacher and the student. Close attention is paid to aspects such as teacher competences and requirements, lesson structure, and the use of experiments in physics lessons. The roles of mathematical and physical modeling, multiple representations, instructional explanations, and digital media in physics teaching are all examined. Quantitative and qualitative research on science education in schools is discussed, as quality assessment of physics instruction. The book is of great value to researchers involved in the teaching and learning of physics, to those training physics teachers, and to pre-service and practising physics teachers.

This book offers a comprehensive overview of the theoretical background and practice of physics teaching and learning and assists in the integration of highly interesting topics into physics lessons. Researchers in the field, including experienced educators, discuss basic theories, the methods and some contents of physics teaching and learning, highlighting new and traditional perspectives on physics instruction. A major aim is to explain how physics can be taught and learned effectively and in a manner enjoyable for both the teacher and the student. Close attention is paid to aspects such as teacher competences and requirements, lesson structure, and the use of experiments in physics lessons. The roles of mathematical and physical modeling, multiple representations, instructional explanations, and digital media in physics teaching are all examined. Quantitative and qualitative research on science education in schools is discussed, as quality assessment of physics instruction. The book is of great value to researchers involved in the teaching and learning of physics, to those training physics teachers, and to pre-service and practising physics teachers.

This book presents the most up-to-date research contributions focusing on progress in the field of physics education. It provides researches and results that are based on the most relevant matters in physics teacher education and how these matters can be improved for the satisfaction of both teachers and learners. The work is the by-product of the collaboration between GIREP (the International Research Group on Physics Teaching) and the University of Malta. The contributing authors present close examinations of the following topics: ICT and multimedia in teacher education; experiments and laboratory work in teacher education; the role of quantum mechanics in teaching and learning physics; formal, non-formal and informal aspects of physics education at the primary level; strategies for pre-service physics teacher education at all levels; and in-service teacher professional learning strategies. The editors hope that many different stakeholders within scientific academia will find something of value in this compilation of the current most advanced ideas in physics education.

This book presents the most up-to-date research contributions focusing on progress in the field of physics education. It provides researches and results that are based on the most relevant matters in physics teacher education and how these matters can be improved for the satisfaction of both teachers and learners. The work is the by-product of the collaboration between GIREP (the International Research Group on Physics Teaching) and the University of Malta. The contributing authors present close examinations of the following topics: ICT and multimedia in teacher education; experiments and laboratory work in teacher education; the role of quantum mechanics in teaching and learning physics; formal, non-formal and informal aspects of physics education at the primary level; strategies for pre-service physics teacher education at all levels; and in-service teacher professional learning strategies. The editors hope that many different stakeholders within scientific academia will find something of value in this compilation of the current most advanced ideas in physics education.

This book is invaluable for teachers and students in high school and junior college who struggle to understand the principles of modern physics and incorporate scientific methods in their lessons. It provides interactive and multidisciplinary approaches that will help prepare present and future generations to face the technological and social challenges they will face. Rather than using a unidirectional didactic approach, the authors - scientists, philosophers, communication experts, science historians and science education innovators - divide the book into two parts; the first part, “Communicating Contemporary Physics”, examines how new physics developments affect modern culture, while the second part, “Digital Challenges for Physics Learning”, covers physics education research using ICT, plus the experiences of classroom teachers and a range of ideas and projects to innovate physics and STEM teaching.

This book is invaluable for teachers and students in high school and junior college who struggle to understand the principles of modern physics and incorporate scientific methods in their lessons. It provides interactive and multidisciplinary approaches that will help prepare present and future generations to face the technological and social challenges they will face. Rather than using a unidirectional didactic approach, the authors - scientists, philosophers, communication experts, science historians and science education innovators - divide the book into two parts; the first part, “Communicating Contemporary Physics”, examines how new physics developments affect modern culture, while the second part, “Digital Challenges for Physics Learning”, covers physics education research using ICT, plus the experiences of classroom teachers and a range of ideas and projects to innovate physics and STEM teaching.

This book focuses on some important aspects of Physics Education: the  role of metaphors in Physics teaching and learning, the connections between Physics and Mathematics, the interaction of young children with Physics at the primary level, and  recent developments in teacher education in the USA. Contributors present their research related to: • Preparing teachers for TPACK (technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge) and laboratory work. • Developing and evaluating teacher PCK (pedagogical content knowledge) in Quantum Mechanics. • In-service Physics teacher education for early childhood and primary levels. • Pre-service Physics teacher education at all levels. • In-service Physics teacher professional learning for second and higher-level education. Chapters in this book inevitably look into how Physics teacher education is organizedin different countries.Suggestions are offered for possible ways of supporting Physics teachers’ learning. An emphasis is made on the much-needed measurements of the effectiveness of different teaching strategies that improve teaching for learning.All this should help professionals, researchers, and pre-service, as well as in-service teachers to get acquainted with the most recent research contributions in the field.

This book focuses on some important aspects of Physics Education: the  role of metaphors in Physics teaching and learning, the connections between Physics and Mathematics, the interaction of young children with Physics at the primary level, and  recent developments in teacher education in the USA. Contributors present their research related to: • Preparing teachers for TPACK (technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge) and laboratory work. • Developing and evaluating teacher PCK (pedagogical content knowledge) in Quantum Mechanics. • In-service Physics teacher education for early childhood and primary levels. • Pre-service Physics teacher education at all levels. • In-service Physics teacher professional learning for second and higher-level education. Chapters in this book inevitably look into how Physics teacher education is organizedin different countries.Suggestions are offered for possible ways of supporting Physics teachers’ learning. An emphasis is made on the much-needed measurements of the effectiveness of different teaching strategies that improve teaching for learning.All this should help professionals, researchers, and pre-service, as well as in-service teachers to get acquainted with the most recent research contributions in the field.

This book provides an in-depth exploration of the latest developments in physics education. It presents a comprehensive look into cutting-edge research and ideas used to improve physics education around the world. Topics covered include (but are not limited to) the use of problem-based learning, the design and evaluation of teaching materials, and the use of digital technologies. This book is essential for anyone looking to stay up-to-date on the latest educational innovations and to develop an understanding of effective teaching approaches. It is aimed at researchers, teachers, students, policymakers, and educational leaders in the field of physics education.

This book provides an in-depth exploration of the latest developments in physics education. It presents a comprehensive look into cutting-edge research and ideas used to improve physics education around the world. Topics covered include (but are not limited to) the use of problem-based learning, the design and evaluation of teaching materials, and the use of digital technologies. This book is essential for anyone looking to stay up-to-date on the latest educational innovations and to develop an understanding of effective teaching approaches. It is aimed at researchers, teachers, students, policymakers, and educational leaders in the field of physics education.

This book provides a historical presentation of Old Quantum Theory andearly Quantum Mechanics integrated with comments and examples that helpcontextualize and understand the physics discussed.It consists in a detailed analysis of the usual topics that have mostcontributed to the birth and the development of Quantum Mechanics(black-body spectrum, atomic models, EPR paradox, etc.), but also dealingwith ideas, concepts and results that are not usually treated (vortexatoms, discussion on the meaning of the term “electron”, non-quantummodels of the Compton effect, etc.). The time span taken intoconsideration goes mainly from the 1880s to the 1940s; but some briefnotes on more recent results are also presented in the appendixes.The work is based on nearly 800 original documents – books, papers, letters,newspapers – whose content is not only partially reported, but alsoexplained, and inserted in the historical, social and disciplinary contextof the time. Together with a rigorous historical framework, the bookoffers also an educational discussion of the physical aspects presented.Indeed, there are some specific sections and subsections with pedagogicalobservations.This book is intended for students pursuing STEM degrees, particularlythose seeking an understanding of the genesis and rationale behind quantummechanics. But it is surely also addressed to professional physicists whoare eager to reconsider the cultural foundations underlying the quantumview of the world. We are thus thinking of inquiring minds, people whoteach quantum physics, and individuals involved in quantum technologies.

This book provides a historical presentation of Old Quantum Theory andearly Quantum Mechanics integrated with comments and examples that helpcontextualize and understand the physics discussed.It consists in a detailed analysis of the usual topics that have mostcontributed to the birth and the development of Quantum Mechanics(black-body spectrum, atomic models, EPR paradox, etc.), but also dealingwith ideas, concepts and results that are not usually treated (vortexatoms, discussion on the meaning of the term “electron”, non-quantummodels of the Compton effect, etc.). The time span taken intoconsideration goes mainly from the 1880s to the 1940s; but some briefnotes on more recent results are also presented in the appendixes.The work is based on nearly 800 original documents – books, papers, letters,newspapers – whose content is not only partially reported, but alsoexplained, and inserted in the historical, social and disciplinary contextof the time. Together with a rigorous historical framework, the bookoffers also an educational discussion of the physical aspects presented.Indeed, there are some specific sections and subsections with pedagogicalobservations.This book is intended for students pursuing STEM degrees, particularlythose seeking an understanding of the genesis and rationale behind quantummechanics. But it is surely also addressed to professional physicists whoare eager to reconsider the cultural foundations underlying the quantumview of the world. We are thus thinking of inquiring minds, people whoteach quantum physics, and individuals involved in quantum technologies.

This book presents a comprehensive collection of recent developments in Physics Education Research. Expert authors contribute chapters reflecting insights gained from years of experience and recent research advancements. The book begins with general frameworks and guidelines for teaching and learning physics. It then examines experience-based learning, including experiential learning, inquiry-based learning, and remote experimental activities. Further, it addresses the teaching and learning of complex topics such as environmental science and contemporary physics. Finally, it focuses on teacher education, a crucial area for translating research into classroom practice. Together, these chapters provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in teaching and learning physics.

This book presents a comprehensive collection of recent developments in Physics Education Research. Expert authors contribute chapters reflecting insights gained from years of experience and recent research advancements. The book begins with general frameworks and guidelines for teaching and learning physics. It then examines experience-based learning, including experiential learning, inquiry-based learning, and remote experimental activities. Further, it addresses the teaching and learning of complex topics such as environmental science and contemporary physics. Finally, it focuses on teacher education, a crucial area for translating research into classroom practice. Together, these chapters provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in teaching and learning physics.

This book presents a selection of the most recent research results from the Italian physics education research community, aimed at enhancing the teaching and learning of physics. The motivation for this publication arises from the lack of a comprehensive reference for teachers on research results in physics education. Despite various physics curriculum reform initiatives, such as the introduction of modern physics into high school curricula, their effectiveness in improving the quality of physics teaching in schools has been limited.The book offers a contextualized view of the main topics in physics education, along with a comprehensive overview of the current challenges faced by physics education in Italy and abroad. It also presents research findings that could potentially enhance students' learning of physics. Throughout the book, the implications of these studies are outlined, acknowledging issues and knowledge gaps that will guide future research in physics education. Specifically, rather than covering all the contents addressed in the physics curriculum, the book presents research contributions that suggest potentially effective strategies, methods, and practices at different school levels, from primary school to secondary school and university level. Regarding physics content, the book presents teaching proposals highlighting conceptual aspects and exemplary methodologies of interpretation in physics, such as the physics of fluids and quantum mechanics. It also includes research contributions on different methods and proposals for implementing practical activities, reflecting on the role of the laboratory in learning the discipline and providing examples of integrating experimental and cognitive skills.The book also addresses the role of affective variables, such as physics identity, self-efficacy, and attitudes toward physics in the learning process. Additionally, studies on teachers’ professional development are presented, which can inform the design of proposals for educational paths and methods, within a framework of close collaboration between schools and physics departments.

This book offers a rich selection of papers from a conference dedicated to the advancement of physics education at all levels. Addressing the pressing need for innovation in teaching and learning, the contributions span pre-school to higher education, showcasing a broad spectrum of innovative proposals aimed at enriching the physics learning experience.The contributions reflect key thematic tracks, including innovative strategies and pathways to improve physics education, lab work and experiments in physics education, digital technologies in physics education, and school-university collaborations. These tracks provide a cohesive structure, while the individual contributions present research-informed insights and exemplary teaching practices that resonate across age groups and educational contexts.For pre-school and primary learners, the papers highlight creative learning pathways, hands-on activities, and play-based strategies that introduce young minds to fundamental physical concepts in an engaging and accessible way. At the secondary level, the focus shifts to inquiry-based teaching practices, lab work, and the integration of digital tools that develop students’ critical thinking skills and deepen their understanding of core physics principles.For higher education, the papers present advanced experimental techniques and interdisciplinary approaches, demonstrating effective strategies for teaching complex concepts to university students as well as novel methods for fostering connections between schools and universities, emphasizing how collaboration enhances teaching practices and supports student learning.Additionally, the contributions examine how physics education research informs these practices, ensuring that the methods presented are not only innovative but also evidence-based. Grounded in physics education research, the book bridges the gap between theory and practice. Many of the contributions draw on real-world classroom experiences, offering practical applications alongside research findings. This makes the book an invaluable resource for educators, researchers, and policymakers seeking to advance physics education across all levels.