Effectiveness of the 'Physicsclassroom' computer software in the learning of kinematics at Munali Boys High School in Lusaka
Date
2011-05-12
Authors
Kaulu, Goodwell
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Abstract
This study investigated the effectiveness of the 'Physicsclassroom' computer
software in the learning of kinematics in high school physics at Munali Boys High
School in Lusaka. The main objective was to find out if this software could
enhance pupil performance in kinematics in physics at Munali Boys High School
when it was used as a supplement to traditional learning methods.
An experimental design of the pre-test post-test type was used. The main sources of
data were: pre- and post-tests, an attitude questionnaire, an observation schedule,
participant reports and an interview with physics teachers.
The sample for the study consisted of 40 grade 12 boys of Munali Boys High
School. Half the number of boys were in the experimental group and the other half
in the control group. The experimental group learnt kinematics from the Zambian
High School Pure Physics Syllabus using the 'Physicsclassroom' computer software
and traditional learning methods for six weeks. At the same time the control group
learnt the same work with the same teacher but using traditional learning methods
only. The groups were pre-tested and post-tested using the same test. The scores
obtained by the participants in the tests were analysed quantitatively and
qualitatively. This also applied to the data collected from the attitude questionnaire.
The data from other sources were analysed by qualitative means. All statistical tests
were evaluated at the p < 0.05 level of confidence.
The results revealed a significantly higher performance of 10.5 % in the post-tests
for the experimental group than the control group. All the pupils interviewed
agreed that the 'Physicsclassroom' computer software be used for kinematics and
other topics in high school physics at Munali.
From the results it was concluded that the 'Physicsclassroom' computer software
can enhance the performance of pupils in kinematics in high school physics at
Munali Boys High School. Furthermore, pupils showed a positive attitude towards
the 'Physicsclassroom' learning approach.
The following recommendations were made:
(i) While the 'Physicsclassroom' learning approach enhanced pupil
performance in kinematics to the extent above and showed a high degree
of acceptability with the study group, it should not be used as the only
learning method on this topic but as a supplement to the traditional
learning methods which have been in use.
(ii) Research with a larger and more representative sample should be done to
verify the preliminary findings above in order to arrive at a more definite
decision regarding the implementation of the 'Physicsclassroom' learning
technique.
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Keywords
Physics--Study and teaching--Zambia