Physics Education Research Lab & Learning Center

Research Areas:

1. Learning Mechanisms and Classroom Engagement
2. Cognitive Load and Instructional Design
3. Impact of Peer-Led Instruction and Undergraduate TA Hiring Programs
4. Course Coordination Across Physics Lab Courses
5. Need for Disseminating Research-Based Instructional Strategies (RBIS) for Authentic Teaching and Learning

Talks and Presentations:

1. The AI Evolution: Redefining the Classroom for the Future, Umesh Silwal, Rudra Kafle, and Ramesh Dhungana, Global Nepali Scientific Community Talk, 2026.
2. Pedagogical Landscape Shaped by AI and Its Integration in Teaching and Learning, Umesh Silwal, KCOS Education Innovation Talk, UNCC.
3. Transforming Teaching and Learning with Generative AI, Umesh Silwal, Colloquium Talk, UNCC, 2025.
4. Enhancing Collaboration and Learning in Physics Lab Courses Through the POE-D Framework, Umesh Silwal, Richard A. Dudley, AAPT Conference, 2025.
5. Transforming Online Physics Lab Courses into Hands-On At-Home (HOAH) Labs, Umesh Silwal, Richard A. Dudley, and Farida Mohiuddin-Jacobs, ANPA Conference, 2025.
6. Generative AI: Challenges and Benefits for Teaching and Learning Practices, Umesh Silwal, Rudra Kafle, and Ramesh Dhungana, ANPA Conference, 2025.
7. The Art and Science of Learning, Umesh Silwal and Rudra Kafle, Invited Talk, NCNC Teen Council, 2025.
8. The Art and Science of Teaching: AI-Enhanced, Research-Based Strategies for Student-centered Learning, Rudra Kafle, Umesh Silwal, and Roshani Silwal, NACA Conference, 2025.
9. Research-Based Instructional Strategies for Authentic Teaching and Learning, Umesh Silwal, Colloquium Talk, UNCC 2024.
10. Evidence-based Teaching Practices in Physics: An Overview on Authentic Teaching and Learning, Umesh Silwal & Rudra Kafle, ANPA Conference, 2024.
11. An Effort in Transforming Introductory Physics Lab Courses, Richard A. Dudley and Umesh Silwal, ANPA Conference, 2024.
12. Addressing Teaching Assistant Shortages while Enhancing Teaching Quality, Umesh Silwal and Richard A. Dudley, AAPT Meeting, 2024.
13. Efforts to Enhance Students’ Engagement and Authentic Learning in Undergraduate Physics Lab Courses, Farida Mohiuddin-Jacobs, Richard Dudley, and Umesh Silwal, STEM Academy Poster Presentation 2024.
14. Transformation in Teaching Methodologies and Assessment Through AI, Umesh Silwal and Richard A. Dudley, North Carolina PKAL Regional Meeting, 2024.
15. Transforming Undergraduate Physics Laboratory Courses to Foster Key 21st-Century Skill Sets and Competencies, Umesh Silwal, Monthly Talk Series, ANPA, 2023.
16. Advancement in Teaching Pedagogical Approaches and Scientific Foundations of Active Learning Instruction, Umesh Silwal, Colloquium Talk, UNCC, 2023.
17. Enhancing Students’ Learning via Active Learning Strategies and Assessment of the Efficacy of the Instruction from Students’ End-of-semester Course Evaluation/Grades, Umesh Silwal, ANPA Conference 2023

Publications:

1. U. Silwal, R. Kafle, and R. Dhungana, “Generative AI in Teaching and Learning: Benefits and Challenges”, Journal of Nepal Physical Society, 11(1), 62–74, 2025.
2. U. Silwal and R. Kafle, “Evidence-based Teaching Practices in Physics: An Overview on Authentic Teaching and Learning,”  Journal of Nepal Physical Society, 10(1), 37–48, 2024.

If you are interested in getting involved in Physics Education Research, please reach out to Dr. Umesh Silwal.