Physics education research: What is it and what can we do?

Physics Education Research (PER) is the study of teaching and learning of physics.  Over the past few decades, we have seen a shift in research validated teaching methodologies and research validated curriculum resulting in improved conceptual understanding by students, increased knowledge about difficulties students have with subject matter, increases in retention of physics majors, etc.  This talk will give the audience an introduction to what PER is, where it is conducted, and how students can get involved in the field.