Investigating the relationship between students' interest in physics and environmental attitudes in Georgia

Abstract

This paper presents some aspects of the relevance of physics education from a Georgian perspective. Students’ interest in physics is currently an important issue for effective learning and teaching in many countries. We report about the results of an extensive physics students’ survey at the end of compulsory education and the beginning of upper secondary school in Georgia. Students’ interest in physics was investigated in different contexts regarding ‘out of school’ experiences, attitudes toward environmental issues, and science and technology. Girls conveyed a higher interest in physics than boys. Some correlations are found between students’ interest in physics and respect for environmental issues, nature, and science discoveries. The study suggests some recommendations for the development of physics curricula, textbooks and teacher education programs in the country.