Action Research Doing SmallScale Physics Education Research in

Action Research Doing Small-Scale Physics Education Research in Your Own Classroom

Some Examples • Investigating the best way of teaching physics concepts by means of experiment. • Assessing students’ knowledge to determine nature of preconceptions. • Surveying student to determine what they like or dislike about physics.

Types of Educational Research • Experimental – Manipulates independent variable to find dependent • Correlational – Seeks associations among variables allowing for prediction • Causal-Comparative – Seeks associations between variables finding cause or consequences • Survey – Collection of information from sample by question • Content Analysis – Analysis of the contents of communication be they written, oral, or non-verbal • Qualitative – Examines quality of relationships, activities, situations, or materials

Research Considerations

Human Subjects • Research must comply with strict Federal guidelines to ensure protection of participants especially: – Minors – Protected classes • All research protocols must be pre-approved by an Institutional Review Board.

Preparing for Action Research • Consider the Master’s Degree with the Research Option and Physics Concentration • Consider a Ph. D. or Ed. D. in any of the following areas: – Physics Education – Curriculum & Instruction – Ed. Administration & Foundations