The results of this study affirm that graduate programs designed specifically for
the development of physics teachers are, in fact, different. The data also indicates the
value placed on, as well as the frequency with which the participants utilize these
teaching approaches in their classrooms. Results showed that participants felt the
program placed a higher emphasis on using multiple representations to convey
information to students, as well as on teaching translational skills with respect to these
representations. Smaller class sizes, more staff attention, and total immersion were cited
as essential. Financial concerns with respect to some of the activities did occasionally
arise. An area of concern was the lack of adherence to the Individuality principle, which
states students have unique backgrounds and abilities that should be considered when
designing a lesson. Assessing student prior knowledge when designing and implementing
lesson plans also was not indicated as a frequent practice in the program, or in the
teachers’ own classrooms according to participant data.
In summary, according to participants’ reports, the graduate program investigated
modeled four of the five the principles proposed by Redish to a great degree, the
exception being the Individuality principle. Based on the data contained in the survey,
interviews, and portfolio submissions, recommendations for designers of future graduate
programs for physics teachers were also made.