Outline:

The Physics Education module examines Physics as a discipline in secondary education. The module explores a wide range of teaching and learning issues in school as well as considering the nature of scientific knowledge and the role and structure of school science education in the context of the education system as a whole. The Physics Education module aims to provide Physics undergraduate students who have an interest in Physics and science education at secondary level, and/or who aspire to become a secondary school teacher, with an understanding of science teaching and learning at school. The module explores some of the theoretical underpinnings of science and Physics education as well as the theoretical and practical foundations of teaching Physics to young people in a secondary school.

Aims:

Develop students’ knowledge and understanding of secondary school-based Physics and science to inform choices for potential future careers in Physics education;
	Encourage students to examine, in a critical but constructive way, issues relating to Physics and science education in secondary schools.
Course structure and assessment:

10 three-hour face to face sessions and is assessed with a 3000 word assignment (80%) and a group presentation (20%).

Indicative Topics:

The aims of school physics/science education (3). The relevance of science education in schools and its purpose in creating scientifically literate citizens who are able to ‘flourish’ in the 21st Century.
	The nature of science (3). The epistemology, philosophy and history of science.
	The basis of physics knowledge (3). A critical exploration of the foundations of Physics knowledge and its label as a form of ‘powerful knowledge’.
	Learning theories (3). Common theories of learning utilized in education
	Secondary science curriculum (3). How the curriculum is developed and organized.
	Physics in secondary school –from KS3 to KS5 (6). The pedagogical approaches to teaching Physics in school including the use of practical investigations and enquiry in school science as well as the common misconceptions that pupils have in Physics and how teachers deal with them.
	Student progression in physics (3). How students develop their understanding in Physics and the role of the teacher in helping students to develop their Physics’ knowledge.
	Assessment in science (3). Formative and summative approaches used in science in schools that support students’ development.
	Inclusion in science (3). How a ‘science for all’ perspective is typically used to allow access to the curriculum and challenge commonly held stereotypes including gender bias in Physics.