Physics Teacher Education / Challenges in Physics Education (PDF)

Joan Borg Marks completed a postgraduate diploma in Educational Administration and Management (DEAM) (Melit), which motivated her interest in research on science education. She furthered her studies at the University of Loughborough, UK, graduating M.A. (Education Studies). She later read for a Ph.D. with the University of York, UK. Her research on mental modelling and concept development involved learners of different ability, including the gifted. Early in her career, she taught physics, chemistry, mathematics and general science at secondary and higher levels, in state and Church schools. She later joined the University of Malta (UM) and has lectured in physics at advanced and intermediate levels. She has presented her research in fora, both locally and abroad, while also participating in various teacher mobility programmes, lecturing to pre-service teachers at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Moreover, she has been the contact person for Malta in various EU-funded projects. She is presently affiliated with the Physics Department at UM

Pauline Galea spent 10 years teaching A-level physics. She then obtained her Ph.D. in Geophysics from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, and, upon her return to Malta, taught various topics in Physics and Geophysics at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in the Physics Department, University of Malta. In 2015, she was appointed first Head of the newly established Department of Geosciences, where she still lectures to this day. Throughout the past 25 years, she has been Coordinator for the Seismic Monitoring and Research Group and carried out research mainly in seismology and seismic hazard.




Suzanne Gatt is Member of the Department of Early Childhood and Primary Education, Faculty of Education, University of Malta. She started her career as Physics Teacher and Science Educator over 25 years ago and is currently Full Professor in the area of Primary Science and Environmental Education.