Science education chances? Anyone studying?

[eskeemo]

Hello,

Is anybody enrolled in PhD science education? Anyone in physics education? Can you hemorrhage the goods, the bads. Is it fulfilling? Do you wake up everyday motivated? Impeccable job prospects?

I am at a confusing point in my life. I studied physics and briefly did postgraduate research in a physics field. I was super motivated and proud of myself. I took a break two years ago to try something new -- teach high school students English in an Asian country. In that time I have come to like interacting with students (founded the school's foreign study program; was interviewed on their major television network about it; creating extra-curricular programs for the students; got some awards). Now I don't know if I should return to the US and re-enter physics or [physics] education. I am far less motivated to study education, but I find it more fulfilling, whereas I am far more motivated to study science but found the research slightly un-fulfilling. At all cost I want to have a PhD and do research of some kind (I have read about some of the seams science educ. people weave into following graduation).

I have stalked around these pages and noticed the GPAs in education are quite high. My physics GPA was a hard-fought 3.18. I assume the top-tier education schools do not give out studentships to those GPAs (though my undergraduate university's ranking in the field is top 20, I think they would not care too much to toss a bone at it). And though I distinguished myself professionally teaching in Asia, because it was not in physics teaching, I think they may hesitate to keep my application on the forefront of their minds.

As you can read, I am miserly confused. I am also 27. Clarity does not necessarily come with age. I always wanted to be a physicist. I like thinking like one. Yet I cherish some of the impacts I have made on my students in education. (So far I have impacted people more directly through my education routines).

I am also considering applying to study PhD science education at an English speaking Asian university, perhaps because the kids those societies raise are top performers in international math and science assessments. I do not know what this can do for my career. But, I think THIS is for another conversation.

Any experiences, anecdotes, testimonies, in science education, please let me know.

Thanks for reading.

-E.A.

[sonofcioran]

"I am also considering applying to study PhD science education at an English speaking Asian university, perhaps because the kids those societies raise are top performers in international math and science assessments. I do not know what this can do for my career. But, I think THIS is for another conversation."

I'm sorry, I don't quite follow your train of thought. If you explain, maybe I can help.

1) Did you teach physics in America at any time?

2) Do you want to teach in this country, or Asia?

3) Do you want to teach Physics or English? I would recommend Physics - more jobs.

4) Just so you know, EdD's, like PsyD's, are almost never funded.

5) If you want to teach English, is English your first language?

Have you thought about teaching HS? You can probably get transitional certification if you're a US citizen. What state would you be returning to?