This is a pilot project from the PER Topical Group of the AAPT.  In order to help increase the visibility and appreciation of Physics Education Research (PER) with a broader audience, we are working to promote greater media visibility of PER. We are achieving this by writing press releases about studies that we think are likely to be of interest to reporters, and then distributing to journalists through various channels related to physics and science education. This project is run by Stephanie Chasteen, a physics education researcher, with a background in science journalism and communication, who will be leading this effort with the help of an advisory committee.  Please contact Stephanie Chasteen at stephanie@sciencegeekgirl.com with questions.

• How to get involved.
• Criteria for study nomination

- Produced Press Releases -

2.  IN PROGRESS

 1.  FACULTY TRY INNOVATIVE TEACHING METHODS, BUT DON’T STICK WITH IT.

 A study of physics faculty awareness and use of research-based instructional techniques offers greater understanding of what is missing from current education reform efforts

“Use of research-based instructional strategies in introductory physics: Where do faculty leave the innovation-decision process?”  Charles Henderson, Melissa Dancy, and Magdalena Niewiadomska-Bugaj, Phys. Rev. ST Physics Ed. Research 8, 020104 (2012). Published online July 31, 2012. http://prst-per.aps.org/abstract/PRSTPER/v8/i2/e020104.  

Release posted on Eurekalert and Newswise, among other channels.  Articles about the study appeared in Science Magazine ("Editor's Choice"), Chronicle of Higher Education, Minneapolis Star Tribune, Science Codex, and Phys.org.