Bridging the gap between teaching and learning: the role of physics education research in the preparation of teachers and majors

Research can play a critical role in the development of instructional materials for precollege teachers, for students at the introductory level, and for students in more advanced physics courses. Examples from introductory physical optics are used to illustrate the use of research in identifying student difficulties, in developing instructional strategies to address these difficulties, and in assessing student learning. The implications for the design of instruction extend beyond the topic of physical optics and beyond introductory physics.