Determinants of enrolment and performance in physics in selected secondary schools in Murang'a district, Kenya
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Date
2011-08-26
Authors
Nderitu, Moses Kariuki
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Abstract
This study focused on the determinants of enrolment and performance of physics in some selected Murang'a district secondary schools. Physics is now an optional subject in the secondary school curriculum. Despite the fact that very few students are opting for physics as their science subject choice, sixteen (16) out of the twenty-two (22) major courses at university level require that a student should have done physics in the KCSE examination. Diploma Technical oriented courses also require that one should have done physics to be easily admitted in the colleges. In fact, physics is So important that for some degree and diploma Courses, it is taken in place of mathematics where the student has not performed very well in a course that requires a good pass in mathematics. In industries, physics knowledge is applied directly in the manufacturing of various goods. The study was carried out in Murang'a District using eight (S) sampled schools with physics teachers (one teacher From each school), form four students and heads of science or physics departments forming samples involved in the study. Stratified random sampling was used to get the school samples used in the study while random sampling was used to get tile samples for the students. The study was guided by Gagne’s (1974) information processing model. In his model, Gagne’ determines that it is from the environment that the learner receives information using the five senses (receptors). The environment is provided for by the set up of the learning situation that can be either favorable or not depending on various factors for example the noise level, accuracy of information (stimulus) intended, its clarity, mode of its presentation and so on. The instruments used in the research were questionnaires for students and teachers. An interview was conducted to the heads of physics and/or science departments to give more weight to the items in the questionnaires. An observation guide was also used to see the various instructional methods and resources used by teachers of physics in the sampled schools. Data was analyzed mainly using descriptive methods such as percentages, means and frequencies. inferential data analysis was done using the chi-square. 2. The study found out that among the many other factors that affect performance in physics, attitude towards the subject plays an important role in determining whether a learner opts for physics or not. Resources for teaching physics are not adequate which affects performance in physics and also its enrolment. The study concluded that there is a very close relationship between enrolment in physics subject and its performance. Improvement in physics performance is likely to attract higher enrolment. For this to happen teachers and administrators need to provide a conducive environment which include providing for resources and innovative teachers. This study ends with several recommendations which can aid relevant sections to work towards improving enrolment and performance in school physics
Description
Department of Educational Communication and Technology,QC 37.N35 106p. 2009
Keywords
Physics--Study and teaching--Kenya, Muranga