PER Literature

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Reviews in PER

Volume 2 of Reviews in PER is dedicated to helping researchers get started in Physics Education Research.

In this review article, a member of the PER community presents an overview of an area of PER:

Identifying and Addressing Difficulties: Reflections on the empirical and theoretical basis of an influential approach to improving physics education
by P. R. L. Heron.

Find more articles introducing PER research methods in Volume 2 of Reviews in PER.

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PER Programs

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
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

Relativity Concept Inventory (RCI)
The Relativity Concept Inventory (RCI), developed by Aslanides and Savage, assesses student understanding of special relativity concepts commonly taught in introductory physics courses.

Find more assessment instruments