An Investigation into the use of visual aids in the teaching and learning of ordinary level physics

Author

Nhiwatiwa, Loriette

Title

An Investigation into the use of visual aids in the teaching and learning of ordinary level physics

Abstract

The attitudes displayed by learners towards learning Physics has been a major concern especially for learners in the rural areas. One of the major impediment has been lack of exposure to the benefits derived from learning physics given that they are not exposed to opportunities abound in having passed sciences. Inadequate practical Ordinary Level Physics interactive teaching methods such as Visual Aids inhibits the efficiency and efficacy in the cognitive development of the learner. Resultantly, this led researchers to investigate the effectiveness of utilising of Visual Aids in the teaching and learning of Ordinary Level Physics as outlined in this research. In conducting this research, the researcher employed the qualitative research method to investigate the findings inherent in the utilization of Visual Aids, particularly the adequacy and availability of teaching materials to physics teachers, the attitudes displayed by the students towards learning of physics and those of the teachers towards teaching the subject. Questionnaires were employed to collect information from the students in the process of learning Physics. Classroom observations to learners were conducted by the teachers during physical and practical work in the use of Visual Aids so as to determine their attitude, aptitude, behavior and performance. Student engagement, flexibility, control, time management, efficacy and cognitive development were recorded. Teachers were interviewed to find out their feelings, opinions and recommendations towards the study. Visual aids have been a game changer in the delivery of Physics lessons because learners can visualise and make their own deductions about the concepts and themes available. Policymakers, teachers, learners and the communities in which the study was conducted are expected to immensely benefit in the provision of new findings. The Government, in its quest to produce well-meaning and socially contributory individuals will benefit the more by availing the teaching materials timeously to teachers and school administrators. Teachers must be professionally developed to keep the abreast with trending technological changes. There should be policies to systematically force teachers to regularly improve themselves for as long as they are in the profession. Redundancy must never be an option in the teaching profession.

Date

June 2024

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Teaching and learning,

Ordinary level,

Physics,

Supervisor

Dr. Zezekwa,