PERC 2022 Abstract Detail Page
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| Abstract Title: | Improving out-of-field preparation of high school physics teachers |
|---|---|
| Abstract Type: | Contributed Poster Presentation |
| Abstract: | The well documented deficit of physics graduates pursuing education as a career has led to a significant number of high school teachers with little to no background in the discipline, which can result in reduced learn-ing in the classroom. The Physics Enhancement Program (PEP) was founded in 2012 to address this problem through targeting out-of-field high school physics teachers. PEP participants work with university faculty and master teachers over a two-week period during June each summer, focusing on both subject comprehension and pedagogy for implementation. Participant pre- and post-program content knowledge and confidence were measured using an assessment compiled of questions from mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. We observed statistically significant improvement in both physics knowledge and confidence over the course of the program. A detailed analysis of the 2021 cohort showed that a majority of participants grew in knowledge and confidence for every topic covered. The data presented may encourage other institutions to implement similar programs. |
| Session Time: | Poster Session 3 |
| Poster Number: | III-46 |
Author/Organizer Information | |
| Primary Contact: |
Tatiana Erukhimova Texas A&M University |
| Co-Author(s) and Co-Presenter(s) |
Carlee Garrett (she/her/hers), Texas A&M University Anne Wang (she/her/hers), Texas A&M University Jonathan Perry (he/him/his), University of Texas at Austin |
