Abstract. In recent years, a number of factors have prompted change in the teaching of physics. These factors include: 1) results from physics education research, 2) technology as a teaching tool, 3) a decline in the number of students choosing physics as a major field of study, and 4) concerns about the physics content knowledge of different groups of students with particular career goals. These factors and the changes that have resulted are discussed, including a greater focus on conceptual understanding and the cognitive skills required to understand and apply physics concepts, interactive engagement methods, teaching physics in different contexts, and the use of technology.

Print publication: Issue 10 (October 2003)
Received 31 March 2003, in final form 22 August 2003
Published 23 September 2003