Innovative Teaching Methods

Active learning increases student performance in science, engineering, and mathematics

To test the hypothesis that lecturing maximizes learning and course performance, we metaanalyzed 225 studies that reported data on examination scores or failure rates when comparing student performance in undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses under traditional lecturing versus active learning. The effect sizes indicate that on average, student performance on examinations and concept inventories increased by 0.47 SDs under active learning (n = 158 studies), and that the odds ratio for failing was 1.95 under traditional lecturing (n = 67 studies). These results indicate that average examination scores improved by about 6% in active learning sections, and that students in classes with traditional lecturing were 1.5 times more likely to fail than were students in classes with active learning. Heterogeneity analyses indicated that both results hold across the STEM disciplines, that active learning increases scores on concept inventories more than on course examinations, and that active learning appears effective across all class sizes--although the greatest effects are in small (n ≤ 50) classes. Trim and fill analyses and fail-safe n calculations suggest that the results are not due to publication bias. The results also appear robust to variation in the methodological rigor of the included studies, based on the quality of controls over student quality and instructor identity. This is the largest and most comprehensive metaanalysis of undergraduate STEM education published to date. The results raise questions about the continued use of traditional lecturing as a control in research studies, and support active learning as the preferred, empirically validated teaching practice in regular classrooms.

Interactive-engagement versus traditional methods: A six-thousand-student survey of mechanics test data for introductory physics courses

A survey of pre/post-test data using the Halloun–Hestenes Mechanics Diagnostic test or more recent Force Concept Inventory is reported for 62 introductory physics courses enrolling a total number of students N=6542. A consistent analysis over diverse student populations in high schools, colleges, and universities is obtained if a rough measure of the average effectiveness of a course in promoting conceptual understanding is taken to be the average normalized gain 〈g〉. The latter is defined as the ratio of the actual average gain (%〈post〉−%〈pre〉) to the maximum possible average gain (100−%〈pre〉). Fourteen “traditional” (T) courses (N=2084) which made little or no use of interactive-engagement (IE) methods achieved an average gain 〈g〉T-ave=0.23±0.04 (std dev). In sharp contrast, 48 courses (N=4458) which made substantial use of IE methods achieved an average gain 〈g〉IE-ave=0.48±0.14 (std dev), almost two standard deviations of 〈g〉IE-ave above that of the traditional courses. Results for 30 (N=3259) of the above 62 courses on the problem-solving Mechanics Baseline test of Hestenes–Wells imply that IE strategies enhance problem-solving ability. The conceptual and problem-solving test results strongly suggest that the classroom use of IE methods can increase mechanics-course effectiveness well beyond that obtained in traditional practice.

Effects of two teaching methods on the achievement in and attitude to biology of students of different levels of scientific literacy

Fostering Critical Thinking Skills Using Integrated STEM Approach among Secondary School Biology Students

Globally, critical thinking skills have been acknowledged as an important goal of education and integrated STEM-based approaches have been reported to have the potential to enhance critical thinking. Therefore, this study examined integrated STEM instructional material for genetic learning to increase secondary school biology students’ critical thinking skills. The study adopted a quasi-experimental design, specifically a pre-test-post-test control group design. The sample size was made up of 112 students, two schools were randomly selected and assigned to the experimental and control group. The experimental group was made up of 58 students and the control group was 54. An integrated STEM approach module was developed for the experimental group, critical thinking skill test was used for pre-test and post-test data. The instrument yielded a reliability of between 0.71 - 0.76 for all the subskills of critical thinking skills. The pre-test results in all critical thinking subskills of inference, recognizing assumption, deduction, interpretation, and evaluation Wilks’ ˄ = .93, F (5, 94) = 1.370, p = (.24) > 0.05, indicating that the two groups were equivalent in their critical thinking skills before treatment. The findings of the within-group comparison show that the experimental group shows a significant difference between pre-test and post-test with a large effect size (d2=1.56) compared to the control group with a small effect size (d2=0.01). The between-group comparison using MANOVA shows a significant difference in students’ critical thinking skills of inference, recognizing assumption, deduction, interpretation, and evaluating arguments (Wilks’ ˄ = .31, F (5,106) = .68, p = (0.00) < 0.05). Therefore, it can be concluded that an integrated STEM approach was more effective in enhancing students’ critical thinking skills.

Effects of discovery and expository instructional methods on the attitude of students to biology

Abstract The effects of discovery and expository instructional methods on the attitude of students to biology was investigated. The sample consisted of 240 Form IV biology students randomly drawn from six selected secondary schools in the Oyo state of Nigeria. They were assigned into two groups—experimental and control. The experimental group was exposed to the discovery method, and the control group was taught using the expository method. The science class of Form IV in each of the six schools was selected intact for the study. A nonrandomized pretest‐posttest control group design was employed. The major instrument was the 40–item Scientific Attitude Questionnaire (SAQ). It is a Likert‐type questionnaire using five scales. Two hypotheses were tested. Analyses of the results showed that the experimental group evinced a significantly more favorable attitude to biology than the control group (t = 8.87, p &lt; 0.01). It was also found that the high, average‐, and low‐ability groups in the experimental class evinced a more favorable attitude to biology than their counterparts in the control class. However, there was no significant difference in the attitude of male and female students exposed to the discovery and expository methods (F1,227 = 0.07, p &gt; 0.999). The article concludes with a recommendation that science learning using the discovery method may enable the learner to evince more a favorable attitude toward problem recognition and problem solving than when learning is done by the expository method.

A Study of the Literature on Lab-Based Instruction in Biology

We analyzed the practitioner literature on lab-based instruction in biology in The American Biology Teacher between 2007 and 2012. We investigated what laboratory learning looks like in biology classrooms, what topics are addressed, what instructional methods and activities are described, and what is being learned about student outcomes. The practitioner literature reveals a focus on novel and innovative labs, and gaps in some biology topics. There is little description of student learning, but motivation and engagement are a primary concern of authors. There is little evidence of students addressing the nature of science in laboratories, and too few opportunities for authentic exploration of phenomena. We suggest that biology instruction can be strengthened by more rigorous practitioner research through increased professional collaboration between teachers and education researchers, increased focus on the synergy between content and teaching practice, and more rigor in reporting student outcomes.

In search of a more effective interaction pattern in biology laboratories

The development of scientific process skills is central to laboratory work in biology. A search for the laboratory interaction pattern that is most potent in the development of these skills is described. 720 secondary class three biology students were involved in a pre-test, treatment, post-test experiment in which competitive interaction was found to be superior to cooperative and individualistic interaction patterns in promoting the development of process/laboratory skills.

An Investigation into Physics Teaching in Senior High Schools

This study sought to examine the activities that go on in physics classrooms in Senior High Schools in Ghana.Specifically, the study sought to investigate the pattern of interaction and instructional methods used for teachingphysics and level of coverage of physics syllabus. The survey design was employed for the study in whichquestionnaire was used for data collection. Participants for the study were physics teachers and final year physicsstudents. Findings from the study suggest that classroom interaction seemed to be mostly teacher-centered andtended not to support inquiry-based teaching and learning which is noted for promoting conceptual change andenhance performance. It is recommended among other things that physics teachers should be exposed to efficientpedagogies of teaching and presenting information to learners. The traditional way of teaching where teacher decideson what goes on in the classroom has a limited space in the 21st century science classrooms, particularly physics.

Influence of Teacher-Centered and Student-Centered Teaching Methods on the Academic Achievement of Post-Basic Students in Biology in Delta State, Nigeria

Teaching methods are essential for effective teaching and learning and to a great extent influence academic achievement of students. The objective of this study therefore was to examine the influence of teaching methods on the academic achievement of senior secondary school students in Biology in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State. The descriptive survey research method was adopted in the study. Two research questions were formulated to guide the study. The population of the study comprised 1,550 biology students in public schools in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State. Simple random sampling technique was used to select forty biology students from five randomly selected schools making it a total of two hundred (200) students. A questionnaire titled “Influence of Teaching Methods on Students' Academic Achievement in Biology Questionnaire (ITMSAABQ) was the main instrument for data collection. Cronbach Alpha analysis was used to test for the reliability of the instrument and it was found reliable with a reliability co-efficient of 0.75. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. Findings from the study revealed that student-centered teaching method increases students’ academic achievement while teacher-centered teaching methods decreases students' academic achievement in biology. The study recommended that teachers should create an environment that will enable students participate fully in the teaching-learning process of biology. Also, State Education Boards should organize seminars to educate biology teachers on the need for and how to use innovative methods in teaching biology.

Enhancing Students’ Learning of Physics Concepts with Simulation as an Instructional ICT Tool

The dwindling interest and perceived difficulty experienced by science students in learning physics at the senior high school level of education in Ghana speak to the need for the creation of authentic instructional platforms that promote enhanced learning as well as motivate students’ interest in physics. This study used an explanatory case study design to examine the affordances of Physics Education Technology simulations (PhETs) as an instructional tool with the intent to explain how enhanced students’ learning of physics concepts with simulations through implementation processes are possible in the context of Ghana. Nine pre-service physics teachers were engaged as learners to mimic the role of senior high school science students in witnessing simulation-based physics lessons. Questionnaires, pre- and post-tests and focus group interviews were the data sources employed in this study. The results showed that the learners’ learning enhanced with the use of PhETs because their learning outcomes improved and also, they had positive experiences with the simulations. Consequently, the study advocates that enhanced learning of concepts in physics with simulations are possible through interactive implementation processes that are exploratory and demonstrative in nature and context-sensitive.

Influence of teachers’ self-efficacy on secondary school students’ self-efficacy in biology in Ogbomoso, Nigeria

It is widely proven by several studies that efficacy is an important factor in the teaching-learning process. Therefore, the goal of this study was to examine whether teachers’ self-efficacy contributes to the development of students’ self-efficacy in Biology. This study was a descriptive research with survey type which used proportionate and stratified sampling techniques to select 98 secondary schools in Ogbomoso, Nigeria. Proportionate, purposive, and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 207 biology teachers and 392 SSS I and II biology students based on gender. The data collected were analysed using mean scores, chi-square, and regression analysis at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that: 1) there was a positive correlation between teachers’ self-efficacy and students’ self-efficacy in biology; 2) the level of teachers’ self-efficacy was moderately high; and 3) female students have higher self-efficacy than male students in biology. The study concluded that teachers’ self-efficacy influences their students’ self-efficacy. Thus, it is recommended that biology teachers should be responsible and pay more attention to the development of their students’ self-efficacy irrespective of students’ gender.

A Survey of Biology Teachers Use of Activity-Oriented, Laboratory Practical Exercises to Promote Functional Biology Education

A major goal of science education is fostering students’ intellectual competencies such as independent learning, problem-solving, decision-making and critical thinking. This goal can only be achieved when students are actively involved in the teaching-learning process through activity-based, practical-oriented instructional methods involving the use of laboratories. This study therefore, investigated the extent to which the biology teachers employ activity-oriented, laboratory/practical instructional methods in order to improve the learning outcome of their students. The descriptive survey involved 73 Biology teachers randomly selected from all the six education zones of Anambra state, Nigeria. Four research questions were posed and four hypotheses were formulated to guide the conduct of the study. A 32-item structured questionnaire which has reliability co-efficient of 0.82 was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation and t-tests. Results show that Biology teachers adopt practical-oriented strategies in teaching biology, conduct practical activities to a high extent, and perceive practical exercises as essential to effective teaching and learning of the subject. Provision of adequate number of laboratory materials, employment of adequate number of biology teachers, making provision for well designed laboratory activities in the curriculum and training of teachers on how to effectively combine theory with practical are some of the strategies that will encourage biology teachers to conduct practical lessons. There was no significant difference between male and female biology teachers in their responses to the different aspects investigated. Based on these findings, some recommendations were made that include that curriculum designers should incorporate guides for practical activities that go with each topic in the curriculum so as to encourage the teachers to teach theory with practical as a unified whole to increase students’ understanding and internalization of the facts and ideas taught.

Effect of Practical Work on Physics Learning Effectiveness: A Case of a Senior High School in Ghana

This study investigated the effect of practical work on students’ academic achievement, acquisition of scientific process, skills and attitudes towards the study of selected topics in electricity. Fifty (50) Form Two Physics students from a Senior High Technical School in the Kwaebibirem Municipal of the Eastern Region of Ghana participated in the study. Instruments used to collect data included a student learning evaluation form, questionnaire and pre-and-post-intervention tests. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and Microsoft Excel 2010 Computer Software. The findings indicated that the students’ academic performance were enhanced, they acquired important scientific process skills needed for science practical work and developed positive attitudes towards science practical work. The study recommended that Physics teachers should adopt practical work as a teaching technique and as well be encouraged to teach concepts alongside with practical activities.

Teaching and Learning Physics in Senior High Schools in Ghana: The Challenges and the Way Forward

Aim: Considering the technological age that we find ourselves in this 21st century, it would be expected that, the number of students willing to study physics will increase exponentially. However, reports indicate a sharp reduction of students in physics classrooms. This study therefore sought to identify the challenges and way forward for improving physics teaching and learning in Senior High Schools in Ghana. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional survey was used for the study. Methodology: The main instrument used for the study was questionnaire. The sample size for the study comprised both physics teachers and students. The sample size for the teachers was made up of 38 teachers which comprised 34 males and 4 females who were selected using the convenient sampling approach. The sample size for the students consisted of 750 students selected by stratified sampling of which 520 were males and 230 were females. Results: While the teachers perceived the most important factor affecting the teaching and learning of physics to be students-related problem, the students on the other hand perceived the major challenge affecting the teaching and learning of physics to be teacher-related. For both teachers and students, provision of adequate resources like well-equipped laboratories for teaching and learning is an assured way of improving the teaching and learning of physics in senior high schools in Ghana. Conclusions: The challenges in teaching physics as perceived by both teachers and students are teacher related, student-related and resource-constraints It was recommended that the government must make conscious effort to provide the schools with adequate science resources to facilitate the practical approach to teaching and learning of physics.

Physics students’ conceptual understanding of “&lt;i&gt;gravity and free fall&lt;/i&gt;”

The focus of this study is to ascertain the conceptual understanding students of Bolgatanga Girls Senior High School (BGSHS) have in “&lt;i&gt;gravity and free fall&lt;/i&gt;”. Descriptive research design (cross-sectional survey) was used in this study as a method of collecting information. Out of 183 second and third year students, 43 of them were randomly selected and involved in the study. Students were given 10 conceptual based test items relating to “&lt;i&gt;gravity and free fall&lt;/i&gt;” to respond to. Students were required to respond true/false and provide reasons for their response. It was found that majority of the students had the misconception that gravity is selective and therefore acts more on heavier objects compared to lighter objects. As a result, they are of the opinion that larger object should hit the ground first before a light object dropped from the same height, which is not scientifically accurate. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that physics teachers in BGSHS should carefully pay attention to students’ misconceptions and be guided by it when teaching.

The Influence of Reinforcement Skill on Academic Performance of Secondary School Physics Students in Obio-Akpor Lga, Rivers State Nigeria

International audience

Development of remedial method for teaching electric circuits in secondary schools

Many senior secondary students experience learning difficulties in physics. This study was to reveal the kind of thinking and understanding about electric circuits of 123 senior secondary Year Two physics students in Cape Coast municipality in the Central Region of Ghana. Also it attempted to develop a remedial teaching method that would be used to remedy any identified misconceptions. An electric circuit Remedial Teaching Method was therefore developed, and its impact was assessed using a nonrandomized control pretest/post-test design. The percentages of students who had various misconceptions before and after the treatment were calculated. The findings indicated that the remedial teaching method helped to remedy most of the misconceptions they held. However, a few of the misconceptions were found to be of firm rooting and resisted changes by this teaching method. African Journal of Educational Studies in Mathematics and Sciences Vol. 1, 2001: 31-44

Effect of the 5E Instructional Model on Physics Academic Achievement Based on Gender and Students’ Ability: A Case of Berekum Senior High Schools in Ghana

This study examined the effect of the 5E instructional model on Physics students’ academic achievement based on gender and students’ ability. The study employed a quasi-experimental design using the pre-test, post-test and delayed-post administered instruments to the experimental and control groups. The study involved two instructional strategies (5E instructional model and traditional teaching). Instruments known as Physics Students’ Academic Achievement Test (PSAAT) and Delayed Post Test (DPT) were used to gather data for the study. Mean scores, standard deviations and normalized gains were used to analyses data while ANCOVA and independent-sample t-test were used to test the hypothesis at the 0.05 level of significance. A significant difference was found between Physics students instructed with the 5E instructional model and those taught through the traditional classroom. Similarly, a significant difference was found between Physics high-ability student in the 5E instructional group and those in the traditional group. However, a non-significant difference was found between Physics low-ability students in the experimental and the control groups. Similarly, a non-significant different was found among gender concerning pre-test and post-test means scores. However, a significant difference was found among gender in favor for the male students. The study recommended that Physics teachers wanting to improve their students learning outcomes should adopt the 5E instructional model.

Integration of Practical Work into Teaching and Learning of Physics at the Senior High School Level

Practical work forms an integral part of teaching and learning as enshrined in the teaching physics syllabus designed for senior high schools in Ghana. This presupposes that the final grade of students is influenced by their performance in physics practical work. Hence, practical work in physics needs to be utilised to improve students’ performance. This study, therefore, sought to examine how practical work is integrated into the teaching and learning of physics at the senior high school level in the Volta Region of Ghana. In all, 16 physics teachers and 212 science students randomly sampled took part in the study. It was found that though teachers accept practical work as an essential ingredient for students’ understanding of concepts, they are not up-to-date on how practical work should be integrated into the teaching and learning of physics as prescribed by the syllabus for physics. Also, the teaching of practical work is done via group work, hands-on activity, interactive demonstrations, discussion and lecture. It is recommended that teachers should adopt integrating practical work into lessons instead of separating them from theory.

Physics classroom interactions: Teaching strategies and practices

This study investigated the interactions that occurred as part of the learning from a national survey of high school physics teachers in New Zealand (NZ) in relation to decile ranking. Specifically, the study investigated how often particular teaching strategies and practices such as: teaching approaches, teacher feedback and guidance, and ICT usage, occurred during physics teaching. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical and inferential statistics – MANOVA. Among other things, the study revealed that learners were not exposed to the teaching methods that potentially give them the chance to observe, engage and/or discover expert strategies in context. There was a lack of use of problem-based or inquiry learning models for learning. However, there was no significant difference between teaching in the various decile rankings. The implications of the findings are discussed.

Improving the Achievement of Learning Outcomes in Early Undergraduate Physics: A Case Study at a University in Ghana

Students’ performance in introductory physics at a university in Ghana was assessed over three academic years. The study covered two physics courses delivered to first-year students at the university. Two factors—access to tutorial sessions delivered outside of lecture times by teaching assistants and access to a formula sheet during the exams—were studied. The impact of the factors on students’ performance was studied by comparing student scores, item difficulty levels, point biserial correlation coefficients, and internal discrimination index for a set of questions that were common to all the exams. The effect of both factors was an increase in the item difficulty from 0.60 ± 0.09 for the control group to 0.63 ± 0.19 for the treatment group, while the effect of the formula sheet increased from 0.60 ± 0.16 to 0.64 ± 0.20. The point biserial correlation coefficient did not change for the study on the effect of the provision of formula sheets in examinations, but it was statistically significant for the group that had separate tutorial sessions. The findings suggest that more learning outcomes can be achieved using interactive teaching approaches and favouring the least amount of rote learning of physical formulae.

Developing Preservice Teachers’ Scientific Problem-Solving Skills Using a Pragmatic Approach to Physics: The Case of Gbewaa College of Education

This research aimed at developing preservice-teachers’ scientific problem-solving skills after taking part in active learning in an introductory science lesson in semester two of the 2020/2021 academic year. The researchers engaged 150 level hundred preservice-teachers for five (5) weeks. Pre-test and post-test designs were employed to collect data for both quantitative and qualitative analyses. Ten active learning practices were performed throughout the semester. The problem-solving assessment used was T-TEL and rubrics were used to develop the research instrument to evaluate preservice teachers’ problem-solving skills. A Sample group interview was conducted to obtain qualitative data on preservice teachers’ opinions of active learning activities. A sample t-test was used to compare problem-solving pre-test and post-test scores in the class. The data collected and content analysis was used to summarize preservice teachers’ opinions. The results revealed their problem-solving skills were highly improved after taking part in active learning processes at 0.05 confident levels. Preservice teachers expressed their opinions positively toward active learning processes and showed a willingness to participate actively in the next lesson using the same learning approach.

Attitude of Students Towards the Study of Physics: A Case of Tamale College of Education, Ghana.

The study examined the attitude of third-year science and mathematics students towards the study of Physics in the Tamale College of Education, Ghana. A case study involving a sample of one hundred and thirty–three students was adopted for the study. Using a structured questionnaire, data was collected from the selected sample. The Likert rating scale was adopted to indicate the extent of agreement or disagreement. General findings from the study indicated that the majority of the respondents had a negative perception towards the study of Physics. The research recommended that preferably only students who offered Elective Physics at the Senior High School level should be admitted to study Physics at the College level as this would facilitate the smooth teaching and learning of the subject. It was also suggested that Physics tutors should use innovative strategies to make the teaching and learning of the subject interesting and attractive. Keywords: Physics, attitude, students, tutor, positive, negative.

Exploring the Use of Technology in Teaching Physics at Senior High Schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana

Technology has profound and lasting influence in classroom as being a powerful tool that can change the way lessons are taught by facilitating both teachers’ instruction practices and students’ learning processes. The purpose of this study was to explore the use of technology in teaching physics within the Cape Coast Metropolis in the Central Region of Ghana.The study employed descriptive cross-sectional survey. The population for the study was Senior High School (SHS) physics teachers and students of the Cape Coast Metropolis in Ghana. The sample size for the study was made up of 20 teachers and 100 final year students. The main instrument used for the study was a questionnaire for both the teachers and the students. Data were analyzed using means, standard deviations and frequencies. It was found that the physics teachers hardly use modern and digital forms of technology in teaching physics.

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.

Factors Affecting Teaching and Learning of Physics in Ghanaian Senior High Schools: Study in the Greater Accra Region

This study aimed to examine the factors affecting the teaching and learning of Physics in Ghanaian Senior High Schools. Purposive and convenient sampling techniques were used to sample the teachers and students. The sample size for this study was 50 teachers and 300 students. Descriptive statistics, such as percentages, means, and standard deviations, were used to analyse the data. The findings revealed that demonstration and discussions to illustrate concepts/ phenomena, emphasising qualitative thinking and presentation of concepts, laying emphasis on mathematical presentation of concepts/students planning and doing their experiment, teacher demonstration of problem-solving on the whiteboard, and teaching and learning being teacher-centred are the main teaching approaches of physics in senior high schools. The main constraining factors of teaching and learning physics in senior high schools were inadequate professional physics teachers, inadequate laboratory equipment, students’ perception of physics, an inadequate number of physics teachers, and students finding physics too mathematical and challenging. With regards to the way forward, it was identified from the teachers’ responses that there should be better salaries and/or incentives for physics teachers, there should be more teacher professional development on physics practicals, and training of more graduate teachers must be encouraged and supported. The responses of the students indicated that appropriate authorities should provide adequate laboratory equipment, and there should be more training for physics teachers. The study concluded that due to the important nature of the subject, it is important for stakeholders in education to come together to find modern ways of teaching the subject and also address critical challenges such as inadequate laboratory equipment and professional development of teachers, among others.

Technology integration in science classrooms: Empowering student teachers for improved physics teaching with simulations

This study employed a descriptive case study design to examine the integration of technology in science education, focusing on the professional development of student teachers in Ghana. Using the technological pedagogical and content knowledge (TPACK) framework as a theoretical lens, the study aimed to address the gaps in existing teacher education programs. Through a technology integration training workshop, the progress of four student teachers in developing their competencies for integrating technology into the teaching of high school physics using simulations was tracked and examined. Drawing on a combination of quantitative (survey) and qualitative data (focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews, observations, and lesson artefacts) sources, findings revealed that the student teachers improved their teaching with technology, which was evident in their developed TPACK, improved content knowledge and developed competencies in the exploration of Physics Education Technology simulation environments. These outcomes suggest a transformative shift in student teacher's teaching approaches, transitioning from a teacher-centered paradigm to a learner-centered one, particularly within the context of simulation environments. Despite initial challenges associated with insufficient content knowledge, establishment of relationships among physics content, teaching strategies and the identified affordances of the simulation environment as well as the shift from traditional to learner-centered approach, the study underscores the pivotal role played by the professional training arrangement implemented for the research.

Students’ Perception of Their Physics Teachers’ Classroom Practices

The purpose of the study was to investigate students’ perception of their physics teachers’ classroom practices. The study was conducted in eight (8) senior high schools in the Hohoe Municipality in the Volta Region of Ghana. Descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed in carrying out the study. A total sample of 200 senior high school physics students were involved in the study. A questionnaire consisting mainly of closed ended items was used in collecting data from respondents. Data collected was analysed using frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation. It was found that physics teachers do not often motivate students and make them appreciate the fact that the things they learn in physics are important. Based on the findings, it was recommended that physics teachers make learning of physics interesting by making students appreciate the importance of what they teach, often encourage students to study physics and also show interest in the overall success of their students.

An Application of Programmed Instruction to Laboratory Work in a Preliminary Physics Course

The physical sciences have received more than their fair share of attention from researchers in the field of educational technology. The new teaching aids and programmed instruction have been applied to both the theoretical and practical sides of all the major science subjects, but invariably these applications have concentrated on the communication of knowledge in the form of facts or procedures to the exclusion of the more subjective and attitudinal aspects of science training. This paper describes an experimental approach to the teaching of a practical physics course to the preliminary year students of a Ghanaian university. The whole course has been re‐orientated so that the practical work is approached in a somewhat unusual way in which particular emphasis is placed on ideas of accuracy. The student is led to develop an appreciation of the errors which occur in the taking of readings and in the calculation of results from those readings. The development of the course, in which extensive use is made of programmed instruction, is described and some of the problems involved in the programming of subjective material such as this are discussed. The results of pre‐ and post‐testing are presented, and gain scores are related to attitude scores as well as other achievement measures.