IMPROVING TEACHING AND LEARNING IN INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS

IMPROVING TEACHING AND LEARNING IN INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS

ABSTRACT

Improving Teaching and Learning in Introductory Physics was the focus  of this research. The research was conducted in secondary schools in the Kogi East Education Zone of Nigeria's Kogi State. This was necessary to address the state's current high percentage of failure among Introductory Physics students in secondary schools. Recruitment of quality Introductory Physics teachers, motivation of Introductory Physics teachers, improved use of instructional materials and facilities for teaching Introductory Physics, and improving the capacity of Introductory Physics teachers for effective teaching in secondary schools were discovered to be useful strategies for improving Introductory Physics teaching in Kogi State's Kogi East education zone. As a result, the findings of this investigation may be inferred. As a result, it can be inferred that the findings of this study, when properly used, are capable of resolving students' current low interest and academic performance in Introductory Physics during their terminal and final examinations in the study field.

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Physics is generally regarded as the nucleus of all technology. This simply means that physics controls all forms of technology. It also affirm that behind every technology, there is physics.   At senior secondary school level, physics is defined as a branch of science that deals with matter, energy, their relationship and their measurements.   The learning of physics is affected by the mathematical background of the learner and the method use by the teacher in teaching concepts (Topics) in physics.   The teaching methods that can be used by teacher in effective teaching of physics in senior secondary schools are: (1) Theoretical method and (2) practical method (Anele 2011).

Physics has the capability of playing a major role in finding solutions to many of the problems facing the human race, of course it does n o t have all the answers but the science is developed enough to have created unclear weapons which remain a global threat, though surely it can be used for the betterment of all people around the globe. The role of physics in our modern world is more important than in any other time in history. Physics generates fundamental knowledge needed for the future technological advances that will continue to drive the economic engines of the world. Physics contributes to the technological infrastructure and provides trained personnel needed to take advantage of scientific advances and discoveries.

Physics is an important element in the education of chemists, engineer and computer scientist, as well as practitioners of the other physical and biomedical sciences. Physics extends and enhances our  understanding  of  other  disciplines, such as the earth, agricultural,  chemical,  biological  and  environmental sciences as well as astrophysics and cosmology- subjects of substantial importance to   all peoples of  the  world (Aina 2011).

Physics improves our quality of life by providing the basic understanding necessary for developing new instrumentation and techniques for medical applications such  as computer tomography magnetic resource image, positive emission  tomography ultra-sonic imaging, and laser surgery. In all, physics is important to man’s life because it is used in cooking food, cleaning clothes, watching television, heating our house, playing sports and everything else in life.

In conclusion, physics is an essential part of the educational system and of an advanced society. Therefore as a matter of fact, the learners should develop a positive way of achieving the said goals.

Due to an expanding negative trend in students' academic accomplishment in Introductory Physics at their secondary school's terminal examinations, important players in secondary school administration have been looking for strategies to reverse the unpleasant trend. With the current methods of teaching Introductory Physics in secondary schools, it's possible that effective practises that could improve teaching and student learning aren't being used to their full potential. This could be one of the reasons for students' continued low performance in Introductory Physics, among other things. Recognizing the importance of effective teaching in improving students' academic accomplishment in schools, this research was undertaken to uncover relevant methods for Improving Teaching and Learning in Introductory Physics.

Statement of the Problem

The study's main difficulty is that physics is a difficult subject to teach, and a large number of students drop out of science classes owing to poor physics performance, resulting in a decrease in the number of students studying physics. This study was conducted in an era when both conceptually and practically, teachers are being challenged to do more with less resources. A number of elements have been identified as having an impact on the practical way of teaching physics. To improve the country's technological status in the run-up to social and industrial change, the development process necessitates input from all sectors. Teachers and students should be able to reach their full potential and make important contributions to the country's technological and scientific development. Teachers and students should be able to reach their full potential and make a meaningful contribution to the country's technological and scientific progress. Shortage of a well-equipped laboratory, a lack of laboratory space, and a limited supply of scientific equipment are all issues that must be addressed.

Objective of the Study

The main purpose of this study was  improving the teaching and learning of Introductory Physics in secondary schools in Nigeria. Specifically, the study sought to identify:

1. Strategies for improving the recruitment of Introductory Physics teachers in secondary schools in Nigeria.
2. Ways of motivating Introductory Physics teachers in secondary schools in Nigeria.
3. Strategies for improving the instructional materials and other facilities for effective teaching of Introductory Physics in secondary schools in Nigeria.
4. Strategies for improving the capacity of Introductory Physics teachers for effective teaching in secondary schools in Nigeria.

Significance of the Study       

The purpose of this study is to develop strategies aimed at improving the teaching and Learning of Introductory Physics secondary school level, as well as some potential improvement measures. It is expected that the study's findings will enable teachers, policymakers, and education officials to further develop, review, and take formal bold steps to improve Introductory Physics teaching in senior secondary schools so that they can be relevant in the country's future science and technological development.

The goal of this research is to provide a foundation for effective guidance in order to change students' perceptions of physics as a science subject. It is hoped that the outcome or result of this study will help to alleviate the challenges of teaching Introductory Physics in Nigerian senior secondary schools.

The findings of this study will also aid curriculum planners since they will provide useful information for curriculum evaluation and updating in order to satisfy societal needs for improved teaching and learning of Introductory Physics. The findings would aid colleague researchers interested in discovering techniques for improving teaching of any school subject in the Nigerian educational system with helpful study material.

Finally, incoming students can use the study as a reference source and utilise it as a springboard to do similar research.

Research Questions

Based on the specific purposes of the study, the following research questions were answered by the study:

1. What are the strategies for improving the recruitment of Introductory Physics teachers in secondary schools in Nigeria?
2. What are the strategies for motivating Introductory Physics teachers in secondary schools in Nigeria?
3. What are the strategies for improving the instructional materials and facilities for effective teaching of Introductory Physics in secondary schools in Nigeria?
4. What are the strategies for improving the capacity of Introductory Physics teachers for effective teaching in secondary schools in Nigeria?

 

Hypotheses

Based on the research questions answered by this study, the following null hypotheses are formulated to guide the study and were tested at 0.05 level of significance:

Ho1:  There is no significant difference in the mean responses of the Introductory Physics teachers and school administrators on strategies for improving the recruitment of Introductory Physics teachers in secondary schools based on their experience.

Ho2:  There is no significant difference in the mean responses of the Introductory Physics teachers and school administrators on strategies for motivating Introductory Physics teachers in secondary schools based on academic qualification.

 

Ho3:  There is no significant difference in the mean responses of the Introductory Physics teachers and school administrators on strategies for improving the instructional materials and facilities for effective teaching of Introductory Physics in secondary schools based on experience.

Ho4:  There is no significant difference in the mean responses of the Introductory Physics teachers and school administrators on strategies for improving the capacity of Introductory Physics teachers for effective teaching in secondary schools based on academic qualification.

 

Delimitation of the Study

This study was delimited to Improving Teaching and Learning in Introductory Physics in Nigeria. The study covered strategies for improving the recruitment, motivation, instructional materials and other facilities as well as the capacity of Introductory Physics teachers. The opinions of the teachers of Introductory Physics and school administrators (Principals and Vice Principals) were sought to address the objective / problem of the study.

IMPROVING TEACHING AND LEARNING IN INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS

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