Physics for low achievers

Abstract

This dissertation investigated views about a Physics programme for low achieving students. It aimed to find what hinders the learning of Physics with these students and sought to determine what the real aims of teaching Physics should be through students' views, teachers' views and the views of Science education specialists. Focus group discussions were conducted with students of Physics in the lowest stream and interviews were conducted with their respective Physics teachers and other science education specialists. Sixty-two questionnaires were also collected from Physics teachers who teach the subject at Area Secondary level in Malta and Gozo. All stakeholders agreed that the Physics SEC syllabus cannot cater for all students in secondary schools and that a tailor-made programme aiming to give student the basic scientific skills by the end of compulsory schooling should be designed for students who are in the lowest stream. All agreed that the programme itself is not enough but the strategies used in the classroom are also very important especially teaching methods and assessment methods. All participants also agreed that certain barriers such as language, mathematical applications and abstract concepts, have to be taken into consideration when designing a new programme. Moreover, a programme can only be successful if resources are available and equipment is supplied which is not always the case. All the issues mentioned and the problems outlined led to the building of a programme which can only be successfully implemented through teaching and assessment approaches that are adequate for low achievers.