In recent decades, several countries have made efforts to close the historic gender gap in physics through curricular reforms. Research indicates that while the acute underrepresentation of females in physics courses and related careers is linked to a number of interlaced social, contextual and motivational factors, the personal relevance of…

In recent decades, the literature paid attention to students' conceptions of the nature of disciplines. This study aimed to investigate how students' cohesive and fragment conceptions of physics changed with a major change in senior high school physics syllabus. We obtained measures of conceptions of physics by utilizing a 20-item questionnaire…

The organization of education in Australia is briefly described. Revisions and development of physics curricula, including British and American projects, are discussed. (TS)

Described is the new grade 12 physics curriculum to be tested in Victoria (Australia) schools in 1977. (SL)

From an organizational point of view, a new high school physics program was developed. The teaching load was divided between two teachers. Benefits of the program were more preparation time for teachers and better student motivation. (PS)

This essay addresses the problem of the nature of curriculum integration, and an attempt is made to lay the basis for a theory of integration. An aspect of the relationship between mathematics and physics is discussed. (Author/MLF)

Recounts an experience of developing a new course for school physics in the state of Victoria in Australia at the end of the 1980s. Represents a significant departure from traditional physics courses and was intended to broaden participation and improve the quality of student learning. Explores the reasons for this outcome. (Contains 55…

Probes, through interviews with members of the setting panel, the process of setting the first external test for the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) physics course when it was implemented in 1992. Some implications are noted for future efforts to reform curriculum and assessment in physics, and for current classroom practice. (Author/MM)

In light of criticism leveled at secondary school programs, the teaching of physics is examined in the context of successes, failures, and opportunity for improvement. Discussion proceeds under three main headings: the context of physics teaching; curriculum content and materials; and the teaching-learning process. (Author/RE)

Described are the science syllabuses and texts for the science courses written to fulfill the aims of the new system of education in the state of New South Wales, Australia. The science course was developed in two stages: (1) A four year integrated science syllabus for grades 7-10, and (2) separate courses in physics, chemistry, and biology with…

Presents a (Western Australian) case study of the link teacher model, a decentralized, "train the trainer" approach to inservice education. Discusses the model's perceived effectiveness, the link teachers' role, central authority support, and new experimentation opportunities. Combining centralized syllabus change with decentralized…

Examines the teaching of science and technology in a new curriculum in the last year of high school in Victoria, Australia. Physics and chemistry were linked to the study of materials and technology. The area of materials related all three subjects but enrollments were much higher for physics and chemistry than for materials and technology. (AIM)

Presents the transcripts and summaries of presentations given by four secondary school physics educators. Staffing problems, the implications of junior high school science on senior high school physics, and expectations of secondary school physics courses and their instructors are among topics discussed. (CP)

Efforts to ensure that graduates leave university with the skills needed for career wide lifelong learning have been the focus of much activity at universities both nationally and internationally for over a decade. In this paper, we describe three projects aimed at developing student skills as part of the discipline content in line with current…

Described is the Wyndham science component of the program designed for the six years of secondary schooling for students in New South Wales, Australia. A subjective evaluation of the program and suggestions for improving course materials and teaching are given. There are six major sections in the report: (1) a general outline of the structure and…