Student’s perception and interest in physics, causes and intervention: A case Study of Bonny Island, Rivers State, Nigeria

This study examined student’s perception and interest in Physics, the causes of declining interest, and possible interventions in Bonny Island. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to 108 senior secondary school students and 57 Physics and science teachers selected from both public and private secondary schools in Bonny Island. The collected data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings revealed mixed perceptions of Physics among students. While a majority of the respondents (64.8%) perceived Physics as very useful to everyday life and societal development, a significant proportion (40.7%) regarded the subject as difficult to understand. These perceptions were found to influence students’ interest and willingness to study Physics at the senior secondary school level. Further results indicated that inadequate laboratory equipment was the major factor contributing to the declining interest in Physics, as reported by 44.4% of the respondents. Other contributing factors include students’ poor background in Mathematics, which affects their understanding of fundamental Physics concepts. To address the identified challenges, the study recommended several intervention strategies, including increased hands-on laboratory activities, after-school remedial Physics classes, career seminars facilitated by practicing physicists and engineers, and regular teacher training to improve instructional methods. The study concludes that improving learning resources and adopting learner-centered teaching approaches are essential for enhancing students interest and participation in Physics in secondary schools in Bonny Island.