Issues and Challenges in Teaching Secondary School Quantum Physics with Integrated STEM Education in Malaysia

Abstract

The emphasis on STEM education in the physics curriculum moves toward addressing the 21st-century demands, but its implementation is fraught with issues and challenges. This paper exposes teachers’ and students’ concerns and problems with integrated STEM education implementation and relates them to the anticipated problem in quantum physics (QP) learning and facilitation (L&F) in secondary school. The QP L&F challenges include the odd ontological worldview and abstractness of concepts, which have created serious misconceptions among teachers and students. A solution is proposed to address this difficulty, including applying an interactive simulation and a hands-on experiment. This paper also proposes a theoretical framework for developing an instructional module to cater to meaningful QP learning with integrated STEM elements. The proposed theoretical framework has several advantages, including guidance in planning an instructional module applicable to classroom activities and explaining the topic using an inquiry-based learning (IBL) approach with learning activities coordinated using the 5E Instructional Model. Nonetheless, further research is necessary to study the instructional module’s development, usability, and L&F effectiveness in the classroom.

Quantum Tic-Tac-Toe - learning the concepts of quantum mechanics in a playful way

“…With the growth of quantum computers, an increasing number of individuals are being compelled to deal with quantum computer programming, necessitating a working knowledge of quantum physics. This has been reported in various research papers, like [22,28], or [2].…”

“…As previously stated, quantum mechanical phenomena are difficult to comprehend when seen through the lens of a Newtonian universe. As [22] and [28] indicate, this is especially true for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. The following three principles are of paramount importance: Superposition: the ability of a quantum particle to exist in two states simultaneously.…”

“…Quantum mechanics is difficult to comprehend yet crucial for high school students, according to Markus et al [22], Nita et al [28], and Angara et al [1]. This importance is growing more and more with the stronger influence of quantum computers.…”

An integrative review of secondary school quantum physics curricula in Malaysia

“…It is considered for secondary schools because it encompasses the fundamentals of modern physics [9] and is crucial in establishing the cognitive foundation for properly interpreting microscopic matter [10]. It has become a general understanding that quantum technology has benefited greatly and continuously advanced with QP knowledge, which has also gained significance in society [11]. Besides, previous research has proven and justified the significance of introducing QP in a secondary school [12]- [14].…”

A needs analysis study in developing quantum physics instructional module for secondary school with an integrated stem education approach

“…In designing the instructional module, the integrated STEM education approach was employed to instil active and meaningful QP learning, which is also highlighted in the current education setting (Bunyamin, 2015;Shahali et al, 2015;Amelia & Lilia Halim, 2019). It aims to guide teachers in highlighting the critical elements emphasised in STEM education in the learning activities, as many are still struggling to practice them in science classrooms (Amelia & Lilia Halim, 2019;Markus et al, 2021;Nur Farhana Ramli & Othman Talib, 2017).…”