The Secondary Education Certificate [SEC] Physics syllabus as a preparation for further studies : an analysis

Abstract

One of the aims of the current SEC Physics syllabus is “to provide the basis for further study of the subject”. This dissertation aimed to determine the degree to which the syllabus is fulfilling its aim. To reach this dissertation’s target, 7 post-secondary Physics teachers’ and 200 past students’ views on the matter were obtained by means of semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire respectively. Areas in which the SEC Physics syllabus is not preparing students well enough to further their studies in the subject were highlighted and suggestions were given to help improve the situation. Findings from this study confirm that there is an academic disparity between SEC and AM Physics. This is mainly in terms of: Mathematics, problem-solving skills, abstract concepts and expressions. The study also confirms that there is a large amount of rote learning involved at SEC level as students tend to memorise knowledge rather than understand the reasoning behind it. This results in students learning superficially and struggling to understand more complicated concepts taught in AM Physics. To better prepare students for higher levels of education, SEC Physics students should be required to solve more complex mathematical problems and answer questions which involve a greater deal of reasoning. More frequent practical sessions, a greater degree of student involvement and a more evident link between theoretical and practical work is also recommended. In general, a shift of emphasis is required from teaching content to teaching higher order skills.