Epilogue

Abstract

Education at all levels and in all parts of the world is facing exceptional challenges as we move through the 21st century. Some of these challenges have come about as a result of changing views on the value of education, others because of the environmental and political issues facing all of us, and still others because of the vast changes that technology is making in our lives. STEM, and particularly physics, education will change significantly to meet these challenges and to assure students and other interested parties that physics is relevant to this changing world. Physics education research can be a driving force in providing evidence-based information to help both the research community and physics instructors address the challenges. Thus, PER will be critical for facilitating the preparation of our students and faculty at all levels prepare for the skills needed during the remainder of the 21st century.