Physics departments in the RSA make serious attempts to improve the quality of physical science teaching. One of the most burning problems is the lack of well-qualified, experienced physical science teachers in the country. Physics department-based projects address this problem through research and development linked to the research. This paper gives an overview of the physics education research conducted in the RSA during the past few years. The focus is on research in the North West Province. Research findings on students’, prospective physical science teachers’ and practicing physical science teachers’ perceptions of time, space and models in physics will be dealt with. The research indicates that lack of development plays a more significant role than culture in students’ problems with time and space related concepts. Alternative conceptions on models restrict understanding of physics. The results of a study on the phenomenon of rote learning will be referred to. Insufficient attention to visualization proves to be a major cause of rote learning in physics. The future role of physics departments in research on problems with physical science teaching and the implementation of research results will in conclusion be indicated.

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