Action research for physics case studies

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Description/Abstract

This case study booklet was produced as part of the evaluation of the Action Research for Physics (ARP) teacher professional development programme which was organised and managed by the nine Regional Science Learning Centres between September 2009 and February 2011. The research was commissioned by the National Network of Science Learning Centres and Department for Children, Schools and Families.

ARP is a model of professional development incorporating action research, with an aim to trying out new approaches to teaching physics which lead to an increase in young people’s engagement with the subject, and pursuit of physics beyond GCSE level. These 18 physics teaching case studies were delivered by teachers on the ARP programme, had a high impact among their students, and were often adopted across their departments, across their schools and sometimes even in neighbouring schools. The booklet should provide a useful guide and reference point for teachers of secondary school physics.

Telephone interviews with the 18 teachers about their action research interventions were conducted between May and November 2011, for the compilation of the booklet. The case studies were written jointly by the teachers and the researchers, based on their project reports and the interviews. The final editions were approved for publication by the teachers and their schools