Swimming against the Tide: Five Assumptions about Physics Teacher Education Sustained by the Culture of Physics Departments

This study explores the culture of physics departments in Sweden relation to teacher education. The commitment education is crucial for quality and way which lecturers talk about significant, since it can affect trainees’ learning choice become a teacher. We analyzed interviews with eleven physicists at four Swedish universities, looking assumptions training that are expressed their talk. found five tacit training, together paint picture trainee teachers moving “wrong” direction, against tide physics. These Physics Expert Assumption: purpose all undergraduate teaching create experts. Content appropriate content future school same as physicists. Goal role new Student students who do not have ability make successful Teaching If you know then it’s difficult teach it. suggest these assumptions, if perpetuated without reflection, risk working high For educators, our results be used lens reflect on local departmental its effect