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Education research is our focus

Welcome to PER-Central, a resource collection for physics education researchers. Here you may find articles, theses and dissertations, research groups, curricular material, and news and events of interest to the PER Community. Learn more about PER-Central.

PER Programs

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Browse the different PER groups and their descriptions on the PER Program Map.

For the Classroom

SEI Upper-Division Quantum Mechanics I Transformed Course Materials

SEI Upper-Division Quantum Mechanics I Transformed Course Materials
This web site provides research-based materials for junior-level quantum mechanics 1 courses. Topics covered include the Schrödinger equation, bound state problems, Hilbert space and operators, the hydrogen atom, and spin. The course archives include documented student difficulties, learning goals, ConcepTests (clicker questions), class activities, homework, tutorials, and a conceptual assessment tool.

Find more PER-based Curricular Materials: Course Packages | Student Activities | Pedagogy Guides

Research Instruments

Quantum Mechanics Survey

Quantum Mechanics Survey
The Quantum Mechanics Survey, developed by Singh and Zhu, is designed to evaluate students' conceptual understanding of quantum mechanics in junior-level courses.

Find more assessment instruments

PER Announcements PER-Central Announcements RSS

Announcing the PhysRev PER Statistical Modeling Review Committee
New committee will support high-quality statistical modeling techniques published and/or referenced in PhysRev PER. Committee chair and members will serve three-year terms.

Archive

PER Events PER-Central Announcements RSS

Physics Education Research Conference 2023
PERC 2023 will be held July 19-20, 2023 in Sacramento, California.  The theme will be "Working together to Strengthen the PER Community of Practice."

More events

Latest Additions Latest Additions to PER-Central RSS

May 21 Applying Conceptual Blending to Model Coordinated Use of Multiple Ontological Metaphors
May 20 A Framework for Analyzing Interdisciplinary Tasks: Implications for Student Learning and Curricular Design
May 19 University student conceptual resources for understanding energy
May 19 Resources-oriented instruction: What does it mean, and what might it look like?

Latest Discussion Posts

May 6 at 2:00 PM EST
Tom posted Think Aloud Protocol to the US - Solo Physics Education Researc... thread.

November 7 at 1:14 PM EST
Steve Maier posted PERLOC Councilor Elections! to the US - Solo Physics Education Researc... thread.

February 22 at 1:23 PM EST
Steve Maier posted Call for PERC Proceedings Editor to the US - Solo Physics Education Researc... thread.

October 29 at 10:45 PM EST
Steve Maier posted Upcoming Talk! to the US - Solo Physics Education Researc... thread.