Surveying high school graduates’ interest in physics studies

Abstract

Socioeconomic growth is largely influenced by education, which promotes equality and creativity. Recent trends show a sharp drop in high school graduates’ enthusiasm in pursuing the natural sciences, particularly physics, despite past and present dedications to high-quality education. With an emphasis on physics, this study explores the choices and views of Kosovan high school students on their future education. An online survey was conducted among 3144 high school graduates across three cities in Kosovo. The poll looked at the students’ experiences with physics in elementary and secondary school, their future educational goals, and how satisfied they were with the physics instructors and lab settings. The results reveal a strong preference for studying any engineering sciences over physics, with only a small percentage considering physics as a viable field of study. The findings highlight significant dissatisfaction with the difficulty and monotony of physics courses from primary and secondary schools, inadequate laboratory conditions, and lack of engaging teaching methods. Several recommendations have been made to address these issues. By focusing on these improvements, educational institutions, and policymakers in Kosovo can better support students, enhance the overall quality of higher education, and align with global trends where interest in exact sciences is similar.