A study of physics practical sessions in Maltese secondary schools : the point of view of past and present students

Abstract

Science is normally a pre-requisite to continue with further studies at Post-Secondary level. The most common science subject is Physics. Practical sessions go hand in hand with the choice of Physics. 15% of the SEC Physics 0-level is allocated through the assessment of 15 laboratory practical reports. In this study, we focused on the students' point of view about practical work in physics. Do students take practical sessions seriously? Does the way in which practical sessions are carried out affect the students' motivation? Are laboratory reports written to satisfy SEC physics requirements only? A questionnaire was designed and then distributed to a sample of about 800 students ranging from Secondary schools (N = 540), Post-Secondary Schools (N = 200) and from University (N = 50). The questionnaire aimed to investigate the following areas: student involvement in the design of the experiment; student participation in the carrying out of the experiment; teacher-pupil dynamics; teachers' practices; conceptual understanding of the experiment vis-a-vis content; enjoyment of practical sessions; student discourse and student likes and dislikes. Results collected from different educational institutions were analysed. Post-Secondary students and University students provided valid comments in open-ended questions to improve the current practice in the physics laboratory. Interviews were also carried out to provide insight on ideas collected from questionnaires.