Factors affecting teaching and learning of Ordinary Level Physics: A Case study of 3 schools in Masvingo District.
- Author
- Chamauya, T. Tafadzwa
- Title
- Factors affecting teaching and learning of Ordinary Level Physics: A Case study of 3 schools in Masvingo District.
- Abstract
-
The main aim of this study was to gain insight on challenges faced in teaching and learning of physics in Masvingo District education system. The study was underpinned by the constructivist theory and cognitive apprenticeship model. The sample size for the study comprised 5 high school physics teachers and 75 learners from three selected schools within Masvingo District. Data from teachers and learners’ survey questionnaires and interviews were analysed using descriptive statistical methods (including tables, pie-charts and graphs where appropriate) and inferential statistics independent samples test and multivariate analysis of variance. Detailed descriptions of classroom observations were also recorded as a reference for indicating what actually occurred. The cases were compared for similarities and differences.
The research findings indicate that all schools are still using old laboratories and inadequate materials. Learner-centred instructional approaches were not common in many physics classes as most teachers use teacher-centred as teaching method. The use of more traditional teaching approaches for physics contributed to learners thinking that physics is a difficult subject and not something they want to participate especially girls. Some learners in this study took physics because it is a requirement for future qualifications such as for engineering or medicine. The findings of the study also indicated that there was a lack of alignment between the aspirations of the curriculum which promotes inquiry based approaches to teaching and learning, and how physics is actually being taught. Also lack of adequate equipment hinders the uptake of physics subject in most schools within the District. The teachers who participated in the research however, believed that several factors hindered the quality teaching and learning of physics in Masvingo District. The teachers believed that physics teaching in Masvingo District is driven by assessment, not by learner interests, and that schools place too much emphasis on performance and grades. Findings from the study also provided insight about physics teachers’ preparation and indicated that the physics education programmes for would be physics teachers generally do not cover content knowledge for the subject at junior level. That is, they should be physics teacher education programmes at primary for pedagogical content knowledge. The teachers perceived that their initial teacher qualification did not adequately prepare them to teach some of the content areas now in the curriculum.
Among other things, the findings from the research lead to a conclusion that limited time to work with learners had worsened the problem of finding time to prepare interesting physics
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lessons. Based on the findings, the study recommended that more financial support is needed from government and stakeholders so that schools will be able to upgrade their physics laboratories. Schools are also encouraged to include physics subject on their budgets so that they will be able to buy all the required equipment. There is a need for future studies investigating more carefully about gender differences in learners’ attitudes towards physics. - Date
- 2022
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Teaching and Learning
- Case study
- Supervisor
- Dr. Zezekwa, N.
- Dr. Mudzamiri, E.
- Media
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Chamauya.pdf