Symposium on Teaching and Learning Quantum Physics

Abstract

The advancement of quantum technology is putting in the spotlight the question of quantum awareness or quantum literacy among the general population. Therefore, initiatives have been put forward to bring quantum mechanics to pre-university level. Some countries entered quantum mechanics in their regular high school curriculum, and some did not. Various approaches have been developed with varying success. The symposium brought together experts with experience teaching quantum mechanics at high school and introductory university levels. Following the logic of creating a curriculum, various considerations have been identified that play a role in what approach a particular instructor chooses. A main difference emerged between making connections with classical physics using potential wells and barriers as context versus breaking up with classical physics using quantum technology as context. The article presents a synthesis of the discussion on what to teach, how to teach, how to choose between different approaches and how to prepare teachers.