Science Made Easy: ‘Revise what was taught in class daily’

Physics is the foundation of all natural sciences, studying the fundamental laws and principles governing the physical universe. It encompasses a vast array of phenomena, from the smallest subatomic particles to the largest galaxies, and seeks to understand their interactions and behaviour.

The subject has played a pivotal role in shaping our understanding of the cosmos, driving technological advancements, and transforming our lives in countless ways. It has enabled us to explore the depths of the oceans, harness the power of electricity, and even venture into the realm of space exploration. Yet, students fear this subject ending up with low grades.

So why does this happen? A variety of factors contribute to the fear of physics among students in India. These factors can be broadly categorized into pedagogical, societal, and psychological aspects.

Pedagogical Factors:

Examination-Oriented Approach: The emphasis on rote memorization and textbook learning in Indian education systems can make physics, with its abstract concepts and complex mathematical equations, appear daunting and overwhelming. This approach stifles critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for grasping physics concepts.

Lack of Hands-on Learning: Hands-on experimentation and practical applications are crucial for developing a deeper understanding of physics principles. However, the focus on theoretical concepts and lack of opportunities for practical exploration can hinder students’ engagement and make physics seem less relatable.

Inaccessible Resources: Physical resources like laboratory equipment and textbooks can be scarce or inaccessible in many schools, especially in rural areas. This lack of resources limits students’ ability to visualize concepts, engage in experiments, and gain hands-on experience, further contributing to their fear of physics.

Societal Factors

Social Perception: Physics is often perceived as a difficult and prestigious subject, reserved for those with exceptional intelligence. This perception can create a sense of intimidation among students who doubt their abilities, leading them to avoid the subject altogether.

Parental Pressure: In a competitive educational environment, parents often pressure their children to excel in academics, particularly in subjects like physics. This pressure can add to the stress and anxiety surrounding the subject, making it even more challenging for students to develop a positive association with physics.

Cultural Stereotypes: Traditional gender stereotypes may discourage girls from pursuing physics due to its perceived difficulty and association with male-dominated fields. This can limit girls’ access to opportunities in physics and contribute to their fear of the subject.

Psychological Factors

Math Anxiety: Physics is heavily intertwined with mathematics, and math anxiety can significantly impact students’ comprehension and confidence in physics. The fear of mathematical concepts can make physics seem even more daunting and hinder their ability to engage with the subject.

Self-Perception: Negative self-perceptions about one’s abilities in math and physics can lead to a fear of failure and avoidance of the subject. This fear can be reinforced by experiences of academic struggles or negative feedback from teachers or peers.

Lack of Interest: If students lack a fundamental interest in the world around them and the principles that govern it, they may find physics less engaging and more challenging to grasp. A lack of curiosity and intrinsic motivation can exacerbate their fear of the subject.

Motivating students while teaching a subject and providing classroom management is a juggling act. First and foremost, it is critical to develop relationships with the students. Teachers need to develop quality relationships, as interpersonal relationships in the school setting influence children’s development and positively impact student outcomes. This includes their motivation to learn, behaviour, and cognitive skills.

So how does one motivate students to study Physics and develop an interest in the subject? According to Minakshi Tiwari, academic coordinator and Physics teacher at Apeejay School, Kharghar, parents are a key factor in students’ motivation.

“This involves involving parents and soliciting their aid to help encourage students. Talk less, listen more, and encourage the students to talk. Involving students in decision-making and providing them opportunities to lead are conducive to a student-centred learning environment,” Tiwari shared.

To maintain their interest, it is important to teach them to doubt, to think, to question, to make mistakes, to learn from their mistakes, and most importantly, to have fun in their learning. “All the good Physics teachers listen well, focus on collaboration with their students, and adapt to new teaching methods,” she added and shared 10 strategies that students need to follow to score well in the subject.

1.       Make a good study plan. Ensure that you follow it to a T.

2.       Small-scale study. Break down your study plan into smaller bits to make it easy to revise

3.       Prepare notes.

4.       Focus on full understanding of concepts. If you don’t understand, ask the teacher the next day in the class.

5.       Categorise the important areas.

6.       Practice problem-solving.                               

7.       Important to study from textbooks like NCERT.

8.       Revise your work daily.

9.       Enhance your writing skills.

10.   Practice mock papers and previous years’ papers, assignments, and other material teachers provide.