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Research Section for Physics Education

The section works with research and development related to teaching, learning and motivation in physics and natural science - in the school system as well as in higher education. We work with teacher education and teacher competence development, and we are concerned with improving recruitment to physics in schools and higher education by promoting inclusive learning environments and informed educational choices.

About the section

The Physics Education Research Section has two full, permanent scientific/teaching positions, one emeritus professor, an associate professor shared with the CCSE, and  PhD- and master's students.

Core activities include research and development within physics education; teacher training (pre-service as well as in-service), and participation in physics communication and recruitment efforts.

Research projects

  • IMPEL- Interactive engagement and motivation in physics learning

  • ReleQuant - Learning and conceptual development in relativity and quantum physics

  • Recruitment to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM); young people's educational choices: Projects LILY and IRIS

Previous/completed Projects:

  • Implementation of the K06 physics curriculum in Norwgian upper secondary school; in particular: An historical approach  to teaching quantum physics (COMPLETED).
  • In project PHYS 21, an empirical-mathematical modelling approach to physics in upper secondary school was invcestigated (PROJECT COMPLETED in 2008)
  • The FUN project (Physics Education in Norway) aimed to gain insight into students' reasons for choosing (or not choosing) to study physics in school and higher education, and to explore how students and teachers perceive physics as a subject and how they experience physics teaching.(PROJECT COMPLETED in 2005)

Introductory physics, pre-service and in-service teacher education:

The physics education group is (partly) responsible for the following courses: 

  • NAT 2000 - "Science in Practice"
  • FYS 3810 - "Physics Education Research and Practice"
  • FYS 5810 - "Physics education in practice" (including school practice component)
  • In-service and continued education courses for teachers on different levels of primary and secondary chool 
 

Science communication and popularisation projects

We take part in a range of projects aimed at enhancing students' and the general public's interest and participation in physics. Examples include popular science lectures for students and pupils, organising the Physics Olympiad in Norway, jury work for the Young Scientists competition, and more.

Tags: Physics education, science education, educational choice, teacher education
Published Nov. 10, 2010 3:36 PM - Last modified Sep. 15, 2022 2:20 PM

Participants

Detailed list of participants

Projects