1500 words drawing and reflecting upon your experiences, relate these to at least two of the themes addressed in the module. Assess and evaluate the role that your chosen themes have on students and the teaching and learning of physics in secondary schools. How important is the role that they play and what are the key lessons for teachers in considering these areas in the future.
Physics in high school is important as it develops pupils’ general understanding of the world around them (Millar & Osbourne, 1998). This is recognised by pupils (Osborne & Collins, 2001) however, the uptake of physics in post-compulsory education is significantly lower than other subjects ((Roberts, 2002) as cited by (Bennet, et al., 2013)). As a result, there are concerns for the future work force as there are “predicted shortages of people electing to pursue careers related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)” (Bennet, et al., 2013, p. 663). Therefore, it is extremely important to increase the number of pupils selecting physics for their A-Level studies and further education. Ateh & Charpentier (2014) say this is possible if there is an increase in engagement and interest in the subject during …show more content…
However, there are criticisms of the National Curriculum being restrictive and causing a dislike of physics in general due to ‘heavy content demands and sterile, impersonal nature of much of that content’ (Woolnough, 1994, p. 368). Woolnough (1994) argues that this makes the subject uninteresting for pupils. As a result, pupils will learn less and that reduces the number of pupils likely to pursue science related careers (Ateh & Charpentier,
Physics in high school is important as it develops pupils’ general understanding of the world around them (Millar & Osbourne, 1998). This is recognised by pupils (Osborne & Collins, 2001) however, the uptake of physics in post-compulsory education is significantly lower than other subjects ((Roberts, 2002) as cited by (Bennet, et al., 2013)). As a result, there are concerns for the future work force as there are “predicted shortages of people electing to pursue careers related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)” (Bennet, et al., 2013, p. 663). Therefore, it is extremely important to increase the number of pupils selecting physics for their A-Level studies and further education. Ateh & Charpentier (2014) say this is possible if there is an increase in engagement and interest in the subject during …show more content…
However, there are criticisms of the National Curriculum being restrictive and causing a dislike of physics in general due to ‘heavy content demands and sterile, impersonal nature of much of that content’ (Woolnough, 1994, p. 368). Woolnough (1994) argues that this makes the subject uninteresting for pupils. As a result, pupils will learn less and that reduces the number of pupils likely to pursue science related careers (Ateh & Charpentier,