Sarah Formica
Professor of Physics and the Fuller E. Callaway Professorial Chair at the University of North Georgia (UNG), Dahlonega
I teach introductory and upper-level physics courses in which I have been employing evidence-based teaching methods for many years. I also engage in Physics Education Research (PER) and enjoy working with undergraduates to learn more effective ways we can teach and learn physics.
To address the National physics teacher shortage, the Department of Physics & Astronomy and the College of Education at UNG are working together to produce more highly-qualified physics teachers.
The Physics Education Research Lab at UNG
What helps increase a student’s motivation to learn?
We’re investigating teaching methods that increase a student’s intrinsic motivation to learn.
Physics Identity and Sense of Belonging through Oral Assessments
We’re investigating how oral exams might help student build their confidence in communicating physics and make them feel like “physics people”.
Fostering a Growth Mindset with Mastery-Based Grading
We’re investigating how a Mastery-based grading system might improve student learning through the model of a growth mindset.
Learning Assistants (LAs) are undergraduate students who are hired to support student learning through research-validated teaching and learning pedagogical techniques.
Physics Education Research at UNG 