Paul took his first degree in physics and subsequently obtained his PhD in crystallography at the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge in 1954. Between 1956 and 1976 he was a faculty member in the Department of Physics in the University of Birmingham (England), but his interests gradually moved from research in physics to research and development in science education.

He left Birmingham in 1976 to become professor of science education and director of the Centre for Science and Mathematics Education at Chelsea College in London. When Chelsea College merged with King's in 1985 Paul became the head of the King's Centre for Educational Studies, King's College London.

He retired in 1995, but is still active in research and development work.

Research

Paul has been a visiting Professor of Education at Stanford University, California.

For many years he was involved closely with curriculum development work with the Nuffield Foundation in science and in design and technology, at primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

He was chair of the government's Task Group on Assessment and Testing from 1987 to 1988, and deputy chairman of the National Curriculum Council from 1989 to 1991. He served on three committees on the USA National Research Council. Paul is a member of the Policy Advisory Group and of the Technical Advisory Group of the UK Examination and Qualifications Regulator, OFQUAL.

He is currently engaged in research and development work to improve classroom practices in both formative and summative assessment.

Paul was a member of the Centre for Research in Education in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics at King's, with a specialism in science education.

Further information

For further details please see Paul's  Research Staff Profile.