Subject Engagement Score Calculator
Improve Student Engagement
Calculate your potential engagement improvement using proven strategies from the article. Select a disliked subject and engagement strategy to see estimated results.
Estimated Results
Results assume implementation quality and student engagement.
When we talk about the most disliked subjects in schools, a pattern emerges: a handful of topics consistently rank low in student satisfaction surveys. Understanding why these subjects get a cold shoulder helps teachers, parents, and policymakers reshape curricula for better engagement.
What Makes a Subject Disliked?
Dislike isn’t just about personal taste; it’s a mix of curriculum design the way content is organized and delivered, perceived difficulty, and relevance to everyday life. When a topic feels abstract, overly fast‑paced, or disconnected from real‑world applications, students quickly lose motivation.
Top Five Most Disliked Subjects (2025 Data)
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Mathematics is a core quantitative subject that many learners find stressful due to abstract symbols and endless problem sets. In the 2025 National Student Attitude Survey, 68% of secondary students rated it as “least enjoyable”.
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Physics covers the laws governing motion, energy, and matter. Its reliance on mathematics and laboratory work pushes the dislike rating to 62%.
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Chemistry deals with chemical reactions, periodic trends, and lab safety. The abstract nature of atoms and frequent memorisation tasks drive a 59% dislike score.
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History focuses on chronological events, dates, and cause‑and‑effect analysis. Students often see it as a rote memorisation exercise, earning a 55% dislike rating.
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English Literature examines classic novels, poetry, and critical analysis. The heavy reading load and subjective grading contribute to a 53% dislike score.
Key Reasons Behind the Dislike
- Perceived Difficulty: Subjects like Mathematics and Physics demand logical reasoning and cumulative knowledge. When foundational gaps appear early, frustration compounds.
- Abstract Content: Chemistry’s atomic theory or History’s distant timelines feel removed from students’ everyday experiences.
- Teaching Methods: Lecture‑heavy formats without interactive elements make subjects feel stagnant. Teachers who rely on textbook recitation see higher disengagement.
- Assessment Pressure: High‑stakes exams that test memorisation rather than application push students toward anxiety, especially in English Literature where essays are scored subjectively.
- Lack of Real‑World Connection: When learners can’t see how a concept applies to a future career or personal interest, motivation drops sharply.
How to Turn Dislike into Interest
Research from the University of Manchester (2024) shows that integrating active learning boosts enjoyment scores by up to 27% across the five subjects above. Below are proven tactics:
- Contextualise Content: Link mathematics to sports statistics, physics to gaming mechanics, chemistry to cooking, history to current events, and literature to modern film adaptations.
- Project‑Based Learning: Let students design a simple experiment (physics), create a budget spreadsheet (math), or produce a podcast on a historical figure (history). Hands‑on work turns abstract ideas concrete.
- Flipped Classroom: Provide short video lessons for homework, freeing class time for problem‑solving workshops and peer tutoring.
- Gamify Assessments: Use quiz apps with leaderboards, badge systems, or escape‑room style challenges to make revision fun.
- Personalised Feedback: Replace generic marks with specific, actionable comments that guide improvement instead of just indicating failure.
Quick Comparison: Disliked Subjects vs. Popular Subjects
| Subject | Dislike Score (%) | Main Pain Points | Top Engagement Idea |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 68 | Abstract symbols, fast pace | Real‑world data projects |
| Physics | 62 | Math dependency, lab complexity | Game‑physics simulations |
| Chemistry | 59 | Memorisation of equations | Cooking‑based experiments |
| History | 55 | Chronology overload | Historical role‑play debates |
| English Literature | 53 | Heavy reading, subjective grading | Film‑book comparison projects |
Checklist for Teachers Wanting to Revamp a Disliked Subject
- Identify the top two pain points from student feedback.
- Map each pain point to an active learning strategy (e.g., project work, gamified quiz).
- Design a single lesson where the core concept is applied to a real‑world scenario.
- Prepare a short video or reading assignment for pre‑class study.
- Create a clear rubric that highlights specific skill improvements.
- Collect quick post‑lesson reflections to gauge immediate impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do students consistently dislike Mathematics?
Mathematics combines abstract symbols with a step‑by‑step problem‑solving process. When foundational gaps are not closed early, later topics feel impossible, leading to frustration and avoidance.
Can the dislike rating change within a single school year?
Absolutely. Introducing project‑based learning or a flipped classroom in the second term often lifts enjoyment scores by 10‑15% according to a 2023 study by the UK Department for Education.
Are there any subjects that consistently rank as most liked?
Creative arts, physical education, and computer science tend to score high in student satisfaction because they offer hands‑on creation, immediate feedback, and clear real‑world relevance.
How can parents support a child who hates a particular subject?
Parents can start by linking the subject to a personal interest (e.g., budgeting for Math, cooking for Chemistry) and encourage short, low‑stakes practice sessions at home.
What role does assessment design play in subject dislike?
Assessments that focus solely on rote memorisation amplify anxiety. Switching to task‑based or project‑based assessments allows students to demonstrate understanding in varied ways, reducing the negative perception.
