Physics Education Research

Physics Education Research (PER) is research into the learning, understanding and teaching of physics and the application of physics knowledge. Our group has a broad range of research interests that include the role of mathematics and reflection in physics learning, the organization and deployment of physics knowledge by experts and novices, differences in perception of physical diagrams and motion between experts and novices, transfer studies, the design and implementation of web-based instruction, curriculum reform, and the evaluation of educational assessments. Experimental techniques and analyses we use in our research include eye-tracking, video analysis, student interviews, web-based log data analysis, and exam question analysis. As a piece of our department's curriculum reform of the introductory sequence, we are in on-going development of web-based instructional materials that include interactive examples, prelectures, and smartPhysics. Our group includes members from both the Physics Department and the School of Education.

• Address

  Department of Physics
  1110 West Green Street
  Urbana, IL 61801-3080

• Mail

  per@physics.illinois.edu

• Phone

  (217) 333-3761