30 June 2025 to 4 July 2025
Leiden University, Gorlaeus building
Europe/Amsterdam timezone
The call for papers will be out in August. Please already prepare your paper.

Understanding the nature of science and the development of a scientist identity through research internships in modern physics

2 Jul 2025, 09:00
20m
C4/5 (Gorlaeus 'schotel')

C4/5

Gorlaeus 'schotel'

Einsteinweg 57 2333 CC Leiden
Oral presentation Identity and Belonging in physics (IDENT) Parallel oral presentations IDENT

Speaker

Marijn van Nijhuis (Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, Utrecht University)

Description

It is an important challenge for teacher education programs to promote deep understanding of the nature of science (NOS), and the development of a scientist identity among their students. This study examines how internships in modern physics research, as part of the program, can be employed to attain those aims. Interview data and reflective logs reveal that students feel more confident in conducting scientific inquiry. Further analysis aims to uncover how such experiences may contribute to long-term professional development. This presentation will focus on how research internships can be structured and supported to promote NOS understanding and scientist identity development.

Education level Pre-service and in-service teacher education
Physics topic Astronomy and Astrophysics
Research focus Students’ identity, inclusion and wellbeing
Research method Educational design research (Qualitative research)
Organizing preference criteria Education level

Authors

Marijn van Nijhuis (Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, Utrecht University) Prof. Lucy Avraamidou (University of Groningen) Dr Elwin Savelsbergh (Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, Utrecht University)

Presentation materials