Learning Physics : is there a change in students’ views between Form 3 and Form 5?

Abstract

A review of the literature on students’ attitudes to science by Osborne, Simon, & Collins (2003) shows that there is a decline in students’ interest and positive attitude towards science from age 11 onwards, that may be related to several factors. The main aim of this study was therefore to explore the ways in which students’ views about learning physics change from Form 3 to Form 5, and what factors influence this change. The study looked at two classes: a Form 3 class, which was chosen as it is the year in which students in state schools start learning physics and a Form 5 class, which was chosen since it is the last year of secondary schooling, and the year in which students sit for SEC examinations. These classes were taught physics by the same teacher in a girls’ state secondary school, and any differences in views towards physics, and what factors influenced these differences were noted. The methodology used included qualitative research tools, where observations and interviews were conducted. Two focus group interviews were held: one with the Form 3 class and the other with the Form 5 class. The teacher was also interviewed individually to obtain her perspective as well. From this study one could conclude that there is a change in girls’ attitudes towards physics as they advanced from Form 3 to Form 5, as a result of a number of factors. This change was not linear as the attitudes varied several times throughout these three years.