Challenges and Social Perceptions of Physics Education in Iran

Based on various sources, the historical challenges and societal views on physics education in Iran are deep-rooted and multifaceted.

Historical Challenges of Physics Education

Systemic and Structural Issues:
Iran’s sub-institutional structures are not science-based. Transforming them would require 50–100 years of continuous effort. The current upper-level systems do not treat physics education as a scientific institution or take full advantage of it.
Outdated Curriculum and Methods:
Education has long relied on information overload, which drains students’ motivation. An example is asking students to guess distances on a millimeter ruler — a practice made obsolete by modern instruments.
Overemphasis on Memorization:
Physics is often reduced to formula memorization and solving numerical problems instead of fostering conceptual understanding, critical thinking, or causal reasoning. Teaching should begin with questions, not just answers.
Underrepresented in Education:
Although physics plays a crucial role in industries like medicine, agriculture, communication, energy, and the arts, its impact is barely felt in the educational system.

Questioning Its Relevance:
A persistent question over the last 50 years has been: “Why do countries like Iran need physics?” Many doubt whether physics is applicable or useful in everyday or practical life.
Physics = Formulas and Numbers:
Students and even teachers often view physics merely as a collection of equations, not as a means to discover order in chaos or law in complexity.
For the Elites Only?
There’s a perception that physics is only for intellectual elites. In contrast, advocates argue that this science belongs to everyone.
Knowledge as an Endpoint:
The current mindset treats knowledge as a destination, not a launchpad for curiosity. This stifles the spirit of inquiry and exploration.
Lack of Educational Appreciation:
Even in vocational schools (honarestan), educators observe a general undervaluation of physics education in society.

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