Physics Education

Physics Education Research Group at UTRGV

 
The Physics Education Research Group at the Department of Physics and Astronomy at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) conducts research with the focus on  developing engaging curriculum materials, designing and implementing effective evidence-based teaching strategies to enhance student learning,  exploring mechanisms to enhance students’ engagement in introductory physics courses, and recruitment and preparation of future physics high school teachers.  

On-going Project(s): 

Improving the Quality of Learning among Physics Students through a Synergistic Implementation of a Team-Based Learning Approach in a Hispanic-Serving Institution, 07/01/2022-06/31/2026, NSF-DUE-IUSE. PI: Dr. Edgar Corpuz, co-PI: Dr. Natalia Guevara   

This project aims to provide a synergistic approach to implementing Team-Based Learning (TBL) in physics courses, with the goal of enhancing the quality of learning among our physics students. We are currently investigating, 1)  how  TBL improves students’ knowledge retention and enhance development of the core competencies (such as critical thinking, empirical and quantitative skills, written and oral communication, teamwork skills); ( 2) the issues associated with the implementation of TBL teaching approach by non-physics education research (non-PER) faculty;  and (3) how we can create a supportive mechanism for sustaining TBL implementation in various physics courses. 

Previous Funded Projects:  

1. Preparing STEM Majors to Become Highly-Qualified Chemistry and Physics High School Teachers in a Predominantly Hispanic Region:  National Science Foundation, (August 2010 - August 2017), PI Team: Edgar Corpuz, James Curts, John Villarreal, Liang Zeng, Christopher Smith 

1. The Impact of an Interactive Teaching Approach Using Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) as Classroom Interaction System in a Predominantly Hispanic Institution” (National Science Foundation June 2008 - June 2012), PI Team: Edgar Corpuz, Liang Zeng, Mark Cunningham 

1. Enhancing the Recruitment, Retention, Training, and Development of Predominantly Hispanic STEM Majors in the Physical Sciences (Chemistry and Physics),  National Science Foundation.  (April 2012 - March 2019),  PI Team: Edgar Corpuz, Liang Zeng, Marta Lopez, John Villarreal, Kenneth Smith 

Collaborations and Outreach 

• UTRGV is a member institution of the national Physics Teacher Education Coalition (PhysTEC), contributing to the preparation and support of future physics educators. Dr. Liang Zeng has been serving as the faculty liaison.  

• Dr. Zeng actively leads outreach initiatives, organizing events such as Physics and Astronomy Day, research lab tours, and engaging physics demonstrations at local K–12 schools to foster scientific interest and participation throughout the region. 

Research Group Members: 

Dr. Edgar Corpuz 

Ms. Ma. Aileen Corpuz 

Dr. Liang Zeng