Physics Education Research Articles

Improving access in medical physics residency programs for physicists with disabilities.

Within the landscape of medical physics education, residency programs are instrumental in imparting hands-on training and experiential knowledge to early-career physicists. Ensuring access to educational opportunities for physicists with disabilities is a legal, ethical, and pragmatic requirement for programs, considering that a significant proportion of the United States population has a disability. Grounded in conceptual frameworks of competency-based medical education and the social model of disability, this work provides an introduction to some practical recommendations for medical physics residency programs. Strategies include embracing universal design principles, fostering partnerships with disability service offices, using inclusive language, developing and publicizing clear procedures for disclosing disabilities and requesting accommodations, and maintaining an overall commitment to equitable access to education. This work urges medical physics residency leadership to proactively move towards training environments that support the needs of residents across the spectrum of disability, highlighting why disability inclusion fundamentally enriches diversity.

The Future of Health Physics: Trends, Challenges, and Innovation.

This paper offers a comprehensive exploration of the future trajectory of health physics, examining influential factors in external and internal dimensions. External factors include an in-depth analysis of low-dose (10-100 mSv) measurement challenges and priorities, highlighting the transformative potential of biomarkers in solving radiation susceptibility following low-dose exposures. Cutting-edge technologies are at the forefront, with insights into emerging radiation detection tools like plastic scintillators with triple discrimination capabilities and sensors based on plastic scintillation microspheres (PSm) for estimating α and β emitting radionuclides in environmental samples. Remote detection systems using drones, robot dogs, and quantum sensors boasting heightened sensitivity and precision also are discussed. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics emerges as a pivotal element, promising to redefine health physics by minimizing radiation exposure risks. The exploration includes innovative materials for radiation shielding, advancements in virtual reality applications, preparation for radiological protection during armed conflicts, and the ever-evolving landscape of decommissioning health physics. Examining health effects from non-ionizing radiation and analyzing broader contextual factors such as regulatory shifts, geopolitics, and socioeconomic influences adds depth to understanding the external forces leading to the future of health physics. Internally, the paper focuses on the transformative dynamics of health physics education and training, encompassing expanded educational horizons, innovative delivery methods, targeted student outreach strategies, and insights into navigating health physics careers amid a dynamically evolving job market. The discussion unfolds further, focusing on new risk communication strategies, the collaborative potential of interdisciplinary approaches, and the significance of health physics summer schools and consortia for transformative educational paradigms. The objective of this paper is not only to unravel the multifaceted factors shaping the future of health physics but also to foster dialogue and collaboration for the unpredictable yet exciting journey ahead.

Development of Research-Based Science Literacy Learning at State Madrasah Aliyah in Banda Aceh City

The development of research-based learning modules is crucial for enhancing students' scientific literacy, particularly in the context of Islamic educational institutions. This study addresses the need for a validated and practical science literacy module for Physics instruction at State Madrasah Aliyah (Islamic high schools) in Banda Aceh City. This research employed a development research approach using the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation) to design and validate the learning module. The module underwent a three-stage validation process, including the initial module validity test, a second validation focusing on the content material, and a third test assessing the module’s practicality in classroom use. The findings indicate that the module passed through all three stages of testing with positive results. The module validity, content validity, and practicality were all rated as highly valid by respective validators, including module development experts, content specialists, and practicality assessors. The results suggest that the research-based science literacy module is not only valid in terms of content and structure but also practical for use in Physics instruction. The feedback from validators demonstrates that the module is effective and suitable for teaching purposes. The developed module is highly valid and practical for Physics instruction at State Madrasah Aliyah in Banda Aceh. It is feasible for implementation by Physics teachers to enhance students' scientific literacy in line with the research objectives.

Examınıng the Teacher Candıdates’ TPACK Competences: Evıdence From Four Teacher Educatıon Programs

This study examined the valid items in the perception of TPACK competencies of physics, math, biology, and chemistry teacher candidates in one public university in Indonesia. This study used a cross-sectional survey where data were collected once from one sample at a time. The study was conducted in four teacher education programs in one public university. This study used a stratified proportioned random sampling technique. The sample for this study consisted of 400 students from 4 teacher education programs including Physics Education, Chemistry Education, Biology Education, and Mathematics programs. Data were collected through a questionnaire with 75 statements related to TPACK competency indicators. The data were processed and analyzed through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and by using SmartPLS 3.0 software. The results showed that of 75 statements, there were 27 valid statements related to TPACK competency indicators. These 27 statements can potentially be used to measure TPACK competencies of teacher candidates. The results obtained from the factor analysis and the Smart PLS procedures showed that the construction of items in the instrument and their relevance to each other is appropriate. Based on the overall results, one of the main findings of this study is that the predictive power of the core knowledge base and the second-level knowledge base on TPACK development is significantly different.

Organization of the Work of the School Physics Room within the Framework of the Research Practice of Future Physics Teachers

Introduction. The authors investigate the problem of professional training of a future physics teacher. The organization of scientific and research training of a future physics teacher requires taking into account the peculiarities of methodological work in the school physics classroom. Methodology. This study reflects the methodological and technological foundations of the scientific and research training of future physics teachers within the framework of the organization and functioning of the school physics room in an educational organization. The article presents the essential characteristics of the scientific and research training of future physics teachers (directions 44.04.01 Pedagogical education, program “Physics. Mathematics”) within the framework of the discipline “School physics room”. Results. A series of research tasks for students performed while working with the school physics classroom in the course of their research activities is described. The criteria for evaluating the physics classroom and the difficulties faced by student trainees are highlighted. Conclusions. The developed set of didactic materials and the proven organization of the course on the discipline “School Physics room” contribute to the formation of professional competencies of future physics teachers.

Use of Historical Scientific Controversies in the Context of Physics Teaching. A Study of the Scientific Pragmadialectic Argumentation at School

El siguiente documento presenta los resultados obtenidos al incorporar una perspectiva de enseñanza de la física a través del análisis de controversias científicas históricas empleando una ruta de argumentación diseñada en tres niveles de dialogicidad basada en los principios de dialogicidad Bajtianos, así como del enfoque pragmadialéctico de van Eemeren. El objetivo de la investigación fue analizar cómo sucede el fenómeno de argumentación científica escolar empleando esta ruta de enseñanza. Para ello ejecutaron dos ciclos de investigación. Un primer ciclo centrado en el desarrollo de una unidad didáctica compuesta de 18 actividades, las cuales fueron analizadas en siete estudios de caso bajo un enfoque de investigación enmarcado en un paradigma constructivista interpretativo y analítico usando las técnicas de la teoría fundamentada. A partir de este análisis, se propuso una segunda unidad didáctica compuesta de 8 actividades con la cual se llevó a cabo un segundo ciclo de investigación que permitiera refinar la teoría provisional propuesta en el primer ciclo. Los resultados mostraron aspectos relevantes vinculados a una categoría central asociada al fenómeno de argumentación científica escolar pragmadialéctica a través de seis categorías subsidiarias que la definieron y caracterizaron.

Spiral-curricular blended learning for the mathematics education in physics teacher training courses

A good physics education depends on a good, transferable mathematics education. A concept for a cross-modular blended learning math course developed for the first two semesters of our physics teacher trainee study program is introduced. The course covers the important new mathematics required for the development of the conceptual understanding of the classical experimental physics mechanics and electrodynamics. It is based on three pillars: parallelism of the math topics to the physics lectures, spiral-curricularity to prior knowledge and high quality digitally available interactive materials such as interactive videos, formative tests and exercises to foster a self-regulated learning of the students in online as well as face-to-face learning environments. The blended learning math course and its face-to-face math seminars are integrated into the experimental physics modules. Results of surveys among the first two cohorts of course participants indicate that the design of the math course is well accepted and the interactive videos are very well received by the students. Initial tests on the learning effectiveness indicate a sufficient development of long term knowledge by the students.

Retraction Note: Simulation of optical image enhancement algorithm based on reinforcement learning in evaluating the quality of physical education teaching for college students

Retraction Note: Simulation of optical image enhancement algorithm based on reinforcement learning in evaluating the quality of physical education teaching for college students

Intrinsic relations among chemistry, physics and mathematics in the brazilian high school: a theoretical-methodological approach

This paper reports an investigation into the dialogical relation among significant learning experiences of Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics contents in an interdisciplinary context. It aimed at answering the following questions that are relevant to the field of Exact Sciences: why do students show little interest in these courses?; where is the problem?; did Chemistry and Physics abandon Mathematics when they started to focus more on qualitative and theoretical concepts than on quantitative ones?; and how can the three courses work together to make both teaching and learning processes easier?. This study presented an actual overview of the Brazilian High School by highlighting strengths and weaknesses from the perspective of Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics teaching. The Brazilian educational scenario showed again that the three courses are the ones that students enjoy the least. The research methodology had a qualitative focus since it had an interpretative and descriptive nature. Answers given to the questions may be found in the text intertwined with some worrisome reflections, which also include the triad teacher-student-educational system. Results showed that further studies are needed to find out the reasons for multiple difficulties found in the intrinsic relations among Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. It is disappointing to know that no satisfactory practical solution has been proposed so far. Everything has been kept in the educational ideal described by research articles, chapters and motivational quotes.

ANALYSIS OF THE DESIGN, IMPLEMENTATION, AND EVALUATION OF 21ST CENTURY SKILLS EDUCATION IN CLASS X AT STATE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

This research was conducted with the aim of describing 1). Analyzing the design of learning implementation, 2). Analyzing the learning process (RPP), 3). Analyzing the evaluation of 21st century learning in class X of SMAN 7 Bengkulu City. The research method used is a descriptive method, using qualitative descriptive analysis techniques. The samples used were students and physics teachers of class This research shows that the results of the analysis of learning implementation plans (RPP) are based on 21st century learning skills with a percentage of 86.87%, consisting of aspects, namely planning with a percentage of 87.50%, implementation with a percentage of 85.62%. and evaluation of 21st century learning with a percentage of 87.50%. So from the results of this analysis it can be concluded that the design for implementing 21st century skills learning is in the good category.

The past and present of thought experiments’ research at Glancy: bibliometric review and analysis

In the development of physical theories, thought experiments play a crucial role. Research on this topic began in 1976 and has continued to the present. This study aims to provide a more complete picture of the progress of thought experiments over the past two decades. To achieve this, this study employs bibliometric mapping methods. A total of 679 published papers were analyzed, including articles (504), conference papers (92), and book chapters (83). This data was retrieved from the Scopus database. The study's findings reveal that research and publications on thought experiments are highly valued and have received significant attention over the past eight years. According to the findings, 90% of the top 20 source titles contributing to thought experiments are from journals in the first and second quartiles (Q1 and Q2). This quartile ranking shows the quality and significant influence of a journal. The geographical distribution indicates that the United States contributes the most to thought experiments research, with 213 documents, 2592 citations, and 47 links. We also identified several prospective keywords that could be the focus of future research, including artificial intelligence, physics education, fiction, God, theology, productive imagination, technology, speculative design, and critical design. Therefore, this study provides a thorough picture of thought experiment research trends and future directions of potential topics that can be the focus of future researchers.

The practicality of student worksheets on the Scientific Creativity project-based Learning (SCPjBL) model to improve scientific creativity as a creative process for Physics Education students

The aim of this reseach was to describe the practicality of the SCPjBL model, based on the results of the implementation of scientific investigations to improve students' scientific creativity on Student Worksheets (LKM). The method in this study is the development of a modified model and applied in universities in 2024. The sample in this study was 90 students from two different universities. Data were collected based on the results of validation and observation of the implementation of the SCPjBL model. The assessment instrument used an implementation observation sheet carried out by two observers. The observation sheet was filled in by four observers who were divided into two observers who were tasked with observing the implementation of the SCPjBL model phase, and two others observed student activities, the results of the observations were then analyzed quantitatively. The results of the study were in the form of implementation results by obtaining an average score of 3.72 with an average validity percentage of 91% with a very practical category. The results of the practicality of the SCPjBL model and its supporting devices obtained a score of 3.56 with an average implementation percentage reaching 91%. Based on the results of the study, the SCPjBL model was declared practical and feasible for use.

Beyond gender: the intersectional impact of community demographics on the continuation rates of male and female students into high school physics

This study examines the complex interplay of gender and other demographics on continuation rates in high school physics. Using a diverse dataset that combines demographics from the Canadian Census and eleven years of gendered enrolment data from the Ontario Ministry of Education, we track student cohorts as they transition from mandatory science to elective physics courses. We then employ hierarchical linear modelling to quantify the interaction effects between gender and other demographics, providing a detailed perspective on the on continuation in physics. Our results indicate the racial demographics of a school’s neighbourhood have a limited impact on continuation once controlling for other factors such as socioeconomic status, though neighbourhoods with a higher Black population were a notable exception, consistently exhibiting significantly lower continuation rates for both male and female students. A potential role model effect related to parental education was also found as the proportion of parents with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees correlates positively with increased continuation rates, whereas an increase in non-STEM degrees corresponds with a reduced student continuation rate. The most pronounced effects are school-level factors. Continuation rates in physics are very strongly correlated with continuation in chemistry or calculus — effects that much stronger for male than female students. Conversely, continuation in biology positively correlates with the continuation of female students in physics, with little to no effect found for male students. Nevertheless, the effect sizes observed for chemistry and calculus markedly outweigh that for biology. This is further evidence that considering STEM as a homogeneous subject when examining gender disparities is misguided. These insights can guide future education policies and initiatives to increase continuation rates and foster greater gender equity and inclusivity in physics education.

Linking Traditional Teaching to Innovative Approaches: Student Conceptions in Kinematics

This study delves into the problem-solving approaches of students who attend classes with traditional teaching methods in university physics education with innovative curriculum materials. This research, conducted with university physics and engineering students, focused on applying research-based curriculum materials in solving kinematic problems. The study analyzes the impact of student knowledge and the distinction between rote learning and scientific practices on conceptual understanding. Student responses are categorized based on the depth of knowledge demonstrated, the skill type utilized, and the degree to which responses indicate a logical progression. These, together with demographic data, are analyzed to determine any patterns. Findings reveal that students use intuitive and mathematical skills to solve a graphical question. However, students employ qualitative and mathematical skill types when they are required to design an experiment. Notably, gender disparity appears to influence the approach to graphical questions, but the design-based question shows no significant relationship between males and females. Gender was likely to contribute to knowledge and logical progression levels, but grades might not show a positive relationship with knowledge level. This study aims to contribute to developing physics education at the university level by highlighting the gap between innovative course materials and their enactment.

Gravitational time dilation in a high school lesson

Abstract In almost all countries, the Ministry of Public Education has introduced the topics of special and general relativity into the high school curriculum. For example, in Italy the teaching of so-called modern physics (quantum mechanics and relativity) was introduced in the last year of high school. The students are approximately 18 years old and, although the arguments are addressed in an introductory and qualitative way, they are also a topic for the final exam. Einstein’s theory fascinates young students, but it is not always easy to explain the revolutionary effects it predicts. For this reason, we have organized a series of in-depth lessons trying to derive the space-time distortions in a way suitable for the young age of the students. In this frontline we summarize a derivation, suitable for high school pupils, regarding gravitational time dilation.

The music department without walls: Lessons from Marshall McLuhan

In the technological age, the print-based culture of the previous century and the current practice of the bureaucratization of higher education (HE) influence how we manage physical spaces, curricula, and teaching and learning. This article presents possible future scenarios for music in HE in the context of the classroom without walls, based on McLuhan’s (1964) predictions for the future of education in the technological age. The research provides an analysis of relevant academic texts and is followed by a discussion that explores thinking differently, strategically, and creatively about possible future scenarios for music departments. The findings suggest that music departments redefine their core business to craft a different future.

Analisis Kualitas Instrumen Penilaian Berbasis Kelas untuk Mengukur Kompetensi Literasi Sains Peserta Didik SMA pada Materi Energi Terbarukan

The aim of this research is to analyze the quality of class-based instruments in the domains of knowledge, attitudes and skills to measure scientific literacy competency. This research uses a limited ADDIE research design consisting of Analyze, Design and Development stages. Data was collected using test and questionnaire methods. This research was tested on 30 Unesa Physics Education Study Program students. Theoretical validity results show that the assessment instrument prepared meets the valid category. The theoretical validity results were obtained from validation by 3 expert validators, namely 2 Unesa Physics Education lecturers and 1 MBI Amanatul Ummah Pacet Mojokerto teacher. Empirical validity was obtained from testing the assessment instrument on 30 active Unesa Physics Education students with a total of 15 questions. Then, the question item was declared valid with an rcount of 0.922 and an rtable of 0.361.

Data science education in undergraduate physics: Lessons learned from a community of practice

It is becoming increasingly important that physics educators equip their students with the skills to work with data effectively. However, many educators may lack the necessary training and expertise in data science to teach these skills. To address this gap, we created the Data Science Education Community of Practice (DSECOP), bringing together graduate students and physics educators from different institutions and backgrounds to share best practices and lessons learned from integrating data science into undergraduate physics education. In this article, we present insight and experiences from this community of practice, highlighting key strategies and challenges in incorporating data science into the introductory physics curriculum. Our goal is to provide guidance and inspiration to educators who seek to integrate data science into their teaching, helping to prepare the next generation of physicists for a data-driven world.

Implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Teaching of Physics

Implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Teaching of Physics

Effect of scaffolding strategies and guided discovery on higher-order thinking skills in physics education

Embedding higher-order thinking within science education, particularly in teaching physics, can equip students to learn physics at a deeper level and to become active learners who can analyze and solve problems independently. The present research aimed to assess the effectiveness of scaffolding strategies along with a guided discovery approach on students’ higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) at technical colleges in Saudi Arabia. The study employed a quasi-experimental design to involve 104 students enrolled in the physics 101 course in two groups: an experimental group (EG) (n = 54), which experienced scaffolding strategies and guided discovery approach during the instruction, and a control group (CG) (n = 54), which received the instruction through conventional teaching methods. All participants took a pre- and post-test consisting of a HOTS test. Data analysis using inferential statistics revealed significant differences in the test scores between CG and EG. The results indicated that students in the EG performed better on the HOTS test in comparison to the students in the CG. Based on these results, it is concluded that the scaffolding strategies and guided discovery have a positive effect on students’ HOTS. The study’s findings have significant implications for enhancing science instruction, particularly teaching of physics in Saudi technical and vocational colleges.