Effect of Practical Activities on Students? Skills, Understanding, and Performance in Physics Measurement

This study investigated the effect of practical activities on students? process skills, conceptual understanding, and academic performance in physics measurement. An action research design was employed involving a purposively selected sample of 49 Form Two students. Data were collected using observation checklists, questionnaires, and achievement tests, with reliability confirmed by a Cronbach?s alpha value of 0.960. The intervention consisted of structured practical activities conducted over three weeks. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and paired-sample t-test, while qualitative responses were analysed thematically. Results indicated significant improvement in students? conceptual understanding and performance, with mean scores increasing from 13.6 to 29.7. The paired-sample t-test showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). The findings suggest that practical activities enhance students? engagement, process skills, and learning outcomes in physics measurement. The study recommends integrating structured practical activities into early physics instruction.