In Kashmir, it’s common to hear students say they fear physics more than any other subject. For many, physics is a nightmare — a maze of formulas, confusing theories, and mathematical calculations. But the truth is, physics is not tough. It’s just taught in a way that makes it feel that way. As a Master’s student of physics at Kashmir University, I’ve seen both sides of this issue — from being a confused school student myself to now studying it in-depth and seeing its beauty. The real problem is not with the subject, but with the way it is introduced to students, especially in schools across the Valley. Physics is not just about numbers and equations. It’s about understanding the world around us. From why an apple falls to how electricity lights our homes, physics is everywhere. It should be one of the most exciting subjects — full of curiosity, wonder, and logical thinking. Unfortunately, most students in Kashmir are deprived of this experience. The core issue lies in the teaching approach. In many schools, especially in rural areas, physics is treated as a subject to be memorized, not understood. Teachers often instruct students to learn definitions and formulas by heart, without helping them grasp the logic behind them. Instead of encouraging students to ask “why,” they are told to focus on “what” and “how much.” This method might help some pass exams, but it destroys the deeper purpose of physics — to develop reasoning and problem-solving skills. Worse, many teachers themselves may not have been trained to teach in a conceptual way. This leads to a cycle where confusion is passed from one generation of students to the next. There’s little emphasis on visual learning, real-life examples, or interactive demonstrations. Concepts like Newton’s laws or electromagnetic fields are taught as abstract ideas, without any effort to relate them to daily life. For example, when teaching Newton’s laws, why not start with something relatable — like the motion of a football or the sudden jerk felt in a moving vehicle? When discussing optics, why not use a lens or mirror to demonstrate refraction or reflection? These simple activities can turn a boring lecture into a memorable lesson.
“Physics is for everyone. It is the study of life itself — from the motion of planets to the vibration of strings on a guitar. In the end, if we want our students in Kashmir to excel in science, engineering, and technology, we must first help them fall in love with physics. And that love begins in the classroom — with a teacher who believes that physics isn’t tough, just misunderstood.”
In contrast, when physics is taught the right way, it becomes one of the most powerful tools to understand the universe. It trains the mind to think critically, to analyze situations, and to look at problems from different angles. These skills are valuable far beyond the classroom. Students need to understand that struggling with physics does not mean they are weak. It means they were never shown how to approach it properly. And teachers need to realize that their role is not to simply deliver content, but to inspire curiosity. A good physics teacher should be like a storyteller, making every topic come alive with real-life relevance and logical flow. Moreover, our education system must take responsibility for reforming how science is taught in schools. We need workshops to train physics teachers in modern methods. We need better textbooks with visuals and context. And we need to introduce lab-based and activity-based learning from an early stage, not just at the higher secondary level. Parents too can play a part. Instead of adding pressure or focusing only on marks, they should encourage children to ask questions and explore. Let children play with magnets, experiment with light, or observe motion — these are all beginnings of physics. The truth is, no subject is difficult if taught with care, patience, and creativity. Physics is no exception. It is only when we break it down, connect it with daily life, and teach it with enthusiasm that students will begin to see its true nature. Let us break the myth that physics is only for “brilliant minds” or “math lovers.” Physics is for everyone. It is the study of life itself — from the motion of planets to the vibration of strings on a guitar. In the end, if we want our students in Kashmir to excel in science, engineering, and technology, we must first help them fall in love with physics. And that love begins in the classroom — with a teacher who believes that physics isn’t tough, just misunderstood.
(The author a Student at PG Department of Physics at Kashmir University is a freelancer. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
Ubaid Malik
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