Curtin University Physics Education Research Group (CUPERG)

At Curtin Physics we take the education of our students very seriously. To assist us in the educating our students, a group of physics academics, science educators, researchers and students from around the University have formed a research group that explores issues in physics education. The research undertaken also involves a significant collaborative program with the Curtin Science and Mathematics Education Centre (SMEC).

CUPERG has its principal aim of improving the quality of physics education through research and the provision of information, support and training of physics students and instructors. The information obtained by CUPERG is also used in other areas of Science education including Secondary Science.

Currently, CUPERG is working in the following areas:

• Helping students overcome the counter intuitive nature of many physics concepts (surely that space craft will only keep moving if something continues to push on it!).
• Recognizing that students do not arrive at university with an empty brain just waiting to be filled by lecturing to students. Learning depends not only on the ability of a student but on previous experience and exposure and by involving the student in a variety of ways.
• Using information technology and the internet to aid physics understanding in an effective and enjoyable manner.