A Critical Look at the Physics Education Research in Turkey and in the World

Abstract

Physics education is an interdisciplinary research area, which was introduced first by physicists and has been researched for almost forty years. In this study, basic research areas in physics education, main journals published in this field, national and international congress and conferences, the pioneer physics education research groups in the world and their research areas were critically examined. The present study is a critical research study to find solutions to the questions of other researchers about the current status and recent trends in this field. In this respect, this study is conducted to enhance the students, who are registered undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs of Science and Physics Education Majors of College of Education, to gain an overall idea about physics education research. In addition, by presenting theoretical and current trends, it aims to provide useful sources for physics educators in their research articles, thesis and projects.