Prior research shows that gender differences in self-efficacy and test anxiety can predict students’ course performance. Although there has been research that uses test anxiety and self-efficacy to predict student grades, no study to our knowledge has investigated this in the context of low- and high-stakes physics assessments. In this work, we used survey data and grade information to compare the predictive power of self-reported selfefficacy and test anxiety on low-stakes (e.g., homework and quizzes) and high-stakes (e.g., traditional exams) assessment scores in a traditionally taught large introductory physics course. We found that there are gender differences in both self-efficacy and test anxiety, as well as in high-stakes assessment outcomes. There were no gender differences in low-stakes assessment scores. Further, we found that models that control for self-efficacy and/or test anxiety eliminate the predictive power of gender for high-stakes assessment scores. Finally, we found that self-efficacy partially mediates the effect of test anxiety on high-stakes assessment outcomes. These trends suggest that teaching methods that alleviate test anxiety have the potential to create a more equitable learning environment.

Test anxiety, self-efficacy, and gender: A quest for equitable assessment practices in physics

We conducted research on student difficulties and used it as a guide to develop, validate and evaluate a quantum interactive learning tutorial (QuILT) on Larmor precession of spin to help students learn about time-dependence of expectation values in quantum mechanics. The QuILT builds on students' prior knowledge and strives to help them develop a good knowledge structure of relevant concepts. It adapts visualization tools to help students develop intuition about these topics and focuses on helping students integrate qualitative and quantitative understanding. Here, we summarize the development, validation and in-class evaluation. We thank the National Science Foundation for support.

Quantum Interactive Learning Tutorial on Larmor Precession of Spin

In quantum mechanics, representations of quantum operators in the position or momentum representation is an important concept for students to learn. However, many students have difficulties writing operators in the position and momentum representations. We investigated student difficulties with quantum operators in the position or momentum representation in the context of Dirac notation so that we can use them to develop learning tools such as a Quantum Interactive Learning Tutorial (QuILT) to help students develop a robust understanding of these concepts. Here we describe the investigation of student difficulties. We thank the National Science Foundation for support.

Student understanding of quantum mechanical observables and corresponding operators

Why equivalent structural equation models of physics identity have different instructional implications

The AAPT Speakers Bureau provides AAPT members with an opportunity to share their passion, excitement and expertise in physics with the public as well as students at all levels. I have always enjoyed sharing my passion for quantum physics with the public and K-16 students. Quantum mechanics is a powerful and mysterious theory. It is our best theory for explaining everything we understand about the properties of matter and the world around us. This understanding has led to incredible transformation of science and technology in the last century. However, even Einstein was disturbed by some of its predictions. We are still doing experiments to understand the most unsettling predictions and foundations of quantum physics. At the same time, researchers are using the most bizarre aspects of quantum theory to create new technologies like quantum computers. It is never too early to learn about the fascinating mysteries of quantum physics.

AAPT Speakers Bureau: Mysteries of quantum physics

Development and Evaluation of a Quantum Interactive Learning Tutorial on Larmor Precession Of Spin

Development and validation of an Interactive Tutorial on Mach-Zehnder Interferometer with Single Photons

Just-in-Time Teaching and Peer Instruction using clickers in a quantum mechanics course

Development and validation of an Interactive Learning Tutorial on Quantum Key Distribution

Panel - Voices of Women in Physics

Presidents Town Hall

Poster Session 2D

poster

**Making Physics More Inclusive and Eliminating Exclusionary Practices in Physics**

As a gateway discipline to STEM majors and careers, physics plays a central role in deciding who does, and who doesn't, get to discover and pursue scientific careers. Technical and scientific professionals are rewarded with economic privilege and status which affords them both social and cultural power. Therefore, social justice will be realized only when the opportunity, and the choice, to excel in physics is open to all students. The culture and practices of the physics classroom reflect the culture of physics at large, which raises the question of how our professional physics communities can embrace, rather than inadvertently repel, a diverse group of academics that can help improve physics culture.  To this end, the 2021 Physics Education Research Conference will focus on defining inclusive spaces and practices. Additionally, we will explore strategies for eliminating exclusionary practices in our classrooms, research spaces, and professional organizations. We call on the community to propose sessions that will drive conversations related to these initiatives throughout PERC 2021.

Please download the full program [here. ](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TRMC_SYJ3PUqXyP7sskA7LRSA8ow0eRE/view?usp=sharing)

PERC SM 21

August 4, 2021 - August 5, 2021 in a Virtual Conference Format

Making Physics More Inclusive and Eliminating Exclusionary Practices in Physics

POS.F-MO - Physics Education Research

Join AAPT and Physics Educators worldwide in developing and strengthening your professional connections by attending the 2021 AAPT Virtual Summer Meeting. AAPT meetings are a great way to reflect on your teaching, recommit to best practices and re-energize your career with new research, products, and techniques.

Listen to internationally known plenary speakers, attend sessions, workshops, and special activities. Attending the virtual summer meeting is an excellent opportunity to share your expertise and learn from and network with leaders in the field.

Please log in with your AAPT account or register for the event if you haven't already.

If you are registered please note that you need to be logged in with your AAPT email / credentials in order to get access.

AAPT SM 21

Poster Session I

Join us in exploring emergent themes in PER as a scholarly endeavor and as a research community!  Since its inception, PER has served as a confluence of discipline, theory, research methodology, practice, and application.  How have these facets and the interplays among them been fruitful for physics education globally, regionally, locally, or otherwise?  And, how have our successes and interactions influenced the very nature of PER itself?
Following the lead of AAPT for the summer meeting, PERC 20/20 was virtual. Enjoy browsing the content.

PERC SM 20

Since its inception, PER has served as a confluence of discipline, theory, research methodology, practice, and application.  How have these facets and the interplays among them been fruitful for physics education globally, regionally, locally, or otherwise?  And, how have our successes and interactions influenced the very nature of PER itself?

technical paper

The 2020 AAPT Virtual Summer Meeting brought together physics educators from around the globe to learn about the latest in physics theory, research methodology and education from leaders in their field. The program featured plenary speakers, sessions, workshops and many special activities.

For more information please visit the 2020 AAPT Virtual Summer Meeting page at: https://www.aapt.org/Conferences/SM2020/index.cfm.


AAPT SM 20

The 2020 AAPT Virtual Summer Meeting brought together physics educators from around the globe to learn about the latest in physics theory, research methodology and education from leaders in their field. 

Chandralekha Singh

11

SHORT BIO

Presentations

Test anxiety, self-efficacy, and gender: A quest for equitable assessment practices in physics

Quantum Interactive Learning Tutorial on Larmor Precession of Spin

Student understanding of quantum mechanical observables and corresponding operators

Why equivalent structural equation models of physics identity have different instructional implications

AAPT Speakers Bureau: Mysteries of quantum physics

Development and Evaluation of a Quantum Interactive Learning Tutorial on Larmor Precession Of Spin

Development and validation of an Interactive Tutorial on Mach-Zehnder Interferometer with Single Photons

Just-in-Time Teaching and Peer Instruction using clickers in a quantum mechanics course

Development and validation of an Interactive Learning Tutorial on Quantum Key Distribution

Panel - Voices of Women in Physics

Presidents Town Hall

Stay up to date with the latest Underline news!

PRESENTATIONS

CONFERENCES

COMPANY

RESOURCES