Too many young people are already put off studying physics because of stereotypes about it being ‘too hard’, which is simply not the case. We should be encouraging more young people to pursue physics and the varied and rewarding career paths it can offer, not knocking their confidence, and we've written to AQA to express our concerns. https://lnkd.in/erSxTtQU
Matthew Benyohai
2mo
Is this really a concern? All of the people who sat the paper have already chosen Physics for A-Level. This doesn't address the vast majority of those who didn't pick it for A-Level in the first place. Is there any evidence to suggest the perceived difficulty of an exam paper affects the number of students attracted to the subject?
As a PhD in Physics I'd really like to know the varied and rewarding career paths you are talking about, because as an experimental quantum physicist I'd say the career path is extremely narrow and definitely not rewarding, which is probably why I'd not suggest pursuing physics as a career path to anybody. Too much work too little gain, mainly just being stressed, overworked and underpaid in academia.
Tooba Aleem Ch
1mo
I've been teaching Physics for 4 years. The reason why students find Physics is because their minds are not trained to think, ask and solve. From the pre classes, we compel students to say A for Apple, we tell them, wo don't teach or train them. As a result, their minds become weak and used to cramming. And in schools, I've seen there is a lack of Physics' teachers. Till class 8th, Physics portion is given in the last of Science book. They hardly cover 1 chapter of Physics. Consequently, having zero concept of Physics, students enter the board class having a separate Physics book. So, this is the story behind this myth that Physics is tough.
Tony Hickman
1mo
With a shortage of Physics teachers and teachers teaching outside the specialism then I feel that the problem is only going to get worse. Also we need more funding in state schools to be able to do and inspire the next generation and equipment for schools is extremely expensive. Coupled with the fact that I'm frustrated with AQA and have spoken to them on numerous accounts about their papers I just think there is a shift away from STEM related subjects. Where I had 20 students at STEM Club now I have 10 at the most.
Gary L.
2mo
I believe that it might not be due to the difficulty of the subject, in fact, every subject has its difficult content to deal with. It could be the way the subject has been brought forth to the young people, it could be the general perception of science in the background of academic pursuits, it could be the current pedagogical approach dealing with Physics. Yes, across different countries, we could see a dip in the number of youth taking Physics at higher level, but I feel that there are many factors to consider and explore on before we conclude on just 'one' reason. Just my two cents worth of thought here.
Jonathan Symonds
2mo
Then why are you telling even more people about it?! Write to AQA, express your concern, but to post about it is just amplifying the message you’re trying to combat.
Ian Taylor
2mo
The IOP is there to uphold standards. There will always be students who fail A level physics and others who pass. You will need to pass with a good grade to get onto a physics degree. There is no real benefit to anyone in making the exams too easy.
Ronald Anderson
1mo
One thing I learned are folks getting delved into pc gaming. It hinders learning the physics and some deeper areas.
Research Associate in Genomics and Bioinformatics at Celebal Technologies | Data Scientist | Deep Learning specialization | Cofounder - Constructivist | Cofounder - Silly Opera.
2moI wanted to switch fields after Btech in Electronics Engineering to Astrophysics as further research studies major. But I have only faced Professors with a stereotypical mindset of judging student's capability, determination and passion for pursuing Astrophysics. I also faced ghosting. This is the only reason I was discouraged to continue. I still study and work on projects on my own. I majored in Data Science and AI now, and have worked on projects that were in domains of Genomics, Neuroscience, Geophysics, Astronomy. Surely I wasn't born only for a few classes but I am doing well in all domains.