The discussion revolves around the course selection for undergraduate students majoring in physics education, specifically focusing on whether to take advanced physics or education courses in preparation for graduate school. Participants explore the implications of their choices on future teaching roles and educational effectiveness.
Participants express a range of views regarding the best course of action, indicating that there is no consensus on whether to prioritize advanced physics or education courses. The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing perspectives on the optimal path forward.
Participants highlight various assumptions about the relevance of advanced courses to teaching effectiveness and the job market in education versus research. There are also unresolved considerations regarding the specific requirements for graduate programs in physics education.
Undergraduate students majoring in physics education, educators considering graduate studies, and individuals interested in the intersection of physics and pedagogy may find this discussion relevant.
The truth be told I'm not sure how a second course in quantum mechanics or a third in electrodynamics will fir to my skill set when I want to teach at the intro level. Also debating just going for straight physics but really don't see myself adapting well the the grind of acquiring grants and doing research. I want to focus on how to best educate my students and guide other professors on how to do the same. At the same time, I see that experiencing a vast sum of our knowledge of the basic mechanics will help me guide students who want to be physicists better. My research is also education based and diving into psychology will push my resume as an instructor more in the kinds of 9th secondaries I'm looking at. But a part of me wants to give full fledged physics a chance but yeah, jobs are scarce, and astrophysics is the only way I see myself enjoying the lab and I don't have a lot of credits beyond intermediate stellar structure courses. Jzust a cluster **** of don't know what to specialize in. Advisor I'd giving good insight but I need other opinions. Bottom line, I love the classroom more than the lab. So that's where my conversation should start.Greg Bernhardt said:What are the pros and cons that you've identified?