How Do Physics Majors Become Physicists?

One of the primary goals of undergraduate physics programs is to help physics majors become physicists. This development occurs on many fronts - knowledge of the main laws, principles, and concepts of physics; quantitative and qualitative problem-solving skills; views about the nature of physics and physics knowledge; and the ability to apply physics ideas to real-world contexts. My research interests are centered on questions about how undergraduate students learn to think like physicists, particularly with regard to "sense-making". I will discuss my work in studying the views of physics majors across the undergraduate physic curriculum and sense-making strategies students use to solve physics problems. I will also touch on ideas from the research literature that may help guide physics departments in thinking holistically about helping physics majors become physicists.