Improving Out-of-Field Preparation of High School Physics Teachers

Abstract

It is well documented that a significant number of high school physics teachers around the country have little to no background in the discipline, which can result in reduced student learning in the classroom. The Mitchell Institute Physics Enhancement Program (MIPEP) was founded in 2012 to address this problem by targeting out-of-field high school physics teachers. MIPEP 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 postprogram 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.