The introduction of physics investigative work in Maltese secondary schools : a study of teachers' and students' views

Abstract

This dissertation aimed to study teachers' thoughts and concerns about the introduction of investigations in the SEC Physics syllabus, and their opinions about the advantages and disadvantages of conducting investigative work at secondary level. Another interest in this study was to have a first-hand experience from the students who are currently doing investigations at school, by obtaining their opinions, feelings and motivations in performing the task Fifty-eight questionnaires were received from teachers of Physics teaching in different types of Maltese secondary schools. Three semi-structured interviews were conducted with teachers teaching Physics in a 1101M.elective boys' church school. These teachers regularly assigned investigative work to their students. Students attending this school were observed during an investigation and three focus group discussions were also conducted with students who had performed an investigation. Almost all teachers felt that investigative work is beneficial for students' learning process, claiming that investigations provide a better preparation for the SEC examination, give a better understanding of concepts and link to theory and contribute more towards motivation, creativity and feeling of ownership. However, only half of these teachers are currently performing investigative work with their students. More than half the teachers participating in the survey believe that investigations should become compulsory. When considering difficulties encountered by teachers when conducting investigations, the two aspects which appear to be most influential were the difficulty with class management during investigations and the lack of promotion of investigations from other colleagues. Another concern expressed by teachers was that investigations were too difficult for their low achieving students. Results from students' views have shown that the majority of students do enjoy investigative work, and benefit from its use within a classroom setting, especially the lower-achieving students. Finally, some recommendations are put forward on the use of investigative work at secondary school level Physics.