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Secondary Education

Publications

This is a list of publications for secondary school physics education. The list is not complete, other relevant publications are listed under the research/publications tab. Note that some of the publications are in Dutch.

2024

Exploring the role of generative AI in science teacher education programs: a qualitative study

Abstract

The introduction of transformative generative open AI (GenAI) has impacted science education, presenting opportunities for students and teachers to enhance teaching and learning efficiency. Equally GenAI poses challenges, including risks such as plagiarism and superficial engagement with content. Science teacher education programs play a key role in the way these opportunities are realized and how challenges are dealt with through educating the future generation of science teachers. Science teacher educators face the challenge to remodel their teaching program to showcase how GenAI is used appropriately. Their student teachers face the challenge of working with GenAI in their own learning, but also in their classroom teaching where their students in secondary education might be using GenAI. This interview study explored how science teacher educators and student-science teachers in the teacher training programs of the four technical universities in The Netherlands envisage the potential impact of GenAI on university science teacher education. Few of the teacher educators had actually used GenAI, compared to the number of student teachers that had used GenAI. Potential uses for GenAI in science teacher education and for science teaching in general were identified, as well as desired new learning goals. A strong need for a policy on the use of GenAI was expressed, including a need for clear guidelines and rules. The conclusion presents possible design characteristics for science teacher education to benefit from the advent of GenAI and circumvent associated risks.

The Vitruvian Man: An Introduction to Measurement and Data Analysis

Abstract

Valuable learning objectives of (experimental) physics education include developing in students the ability to design adequate methods and procedures, analyze data, and draw appropriate conclusions, including the specification of limitations to the validity.1 We have specified these learning goals as the understandings of evidence (UoE)2—insights and views that an experimental researcher relies on in constructing and evaluating scientific evidence. To build a foundation on which we can further develop these insights in my first-year physics lab course, I have redesigned an activity that is part of a teaching–learning sequence on scientific inquiry in secondary education.3 With this activity, deep questions about science, methodology, and validity are raised using simple means. I present the details pertaining to the intervention, the learning goals, and questions that can be addressed during this activity. Possibilities to adopt, adapt, and expand the activity are provided.

A hands-on activity to introduce the structure of NV-center quantum bits in diamond

Abstract

For the start of a secondary school level lesson series on quantum computing, we designed a hands-on modeling activity where students construct a model diamond lattice with a nitrogen vacancy (NV) defect. NV centers find application as qubits and sensitive magnetometers. This activity aims to help students visualize the structure of such NV centers within the diamond lattice, making the subject matter more tangible. The activity has proven to be challenging but feasible. It features both collaborative and competitive elements thereby surely creating an energizing buzz in the classroom.

The Scientific Graphic Organizer for lab work

Abstract

Secondary school students frequently engage in lab work. Often they are asked to write a report afterwards. But if we just want to know whether they did what they were supposed to do and learned what was intended, is it then necessary to have students write an extensive lab report? Writing consumes a lot of time, and with a report we mostly assess students’ ability to communicate clearly. To formatively assess both aspects of lab work (doing the practical and learning from it) without increasing the teacher’s workload (reports piling up), I developed the Scientific Graphic Organizer (SGO). The SGO can be regarded as a pre-structured but simplified lab journal suited for quantitative physics inquiry (QPI) in which a quantitative relation between variables is sought. In the SGO all essential information is provided to produce a fair judgement of students’ doing and learning in and from lab work. In this paper I present the SGO and its features, along with my personal experience in using the SGO for lab work.

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References
  1. de Putter-Smits, L. G. A., Pols, C. F. J., Dekkers, P. J. J. M., Runhaar, P. R., Timmer, M., & Van der Veen, J. T. (2025). Exploring the role of generative AI in science teacher education programs: a qualitative study. International Journal of Educational Research Open, 9, 100492. 10.1016/j.ijedro.2025.100492
  2. Pols, F. (2024). The Vitruvian Man: An Introduction to Measurement and Data Analysis. The Physics Teacher, 62(5), 356–359. 10.1119/5.0149407
  3. Ockhorst, R., Koopman, L., & Pols, F. (2024). A hands-on activity to introduce the structure of NV-center quantum bits in diamond. Physics Education, 59(4), 045017. 10.1088/1361-6552/ad4765