Abstract:
The purpose of the study was to improve students’ attitudes and achievements in
physics using astronomical models at Komenda College of Education, Central
Region. A quasi-experimental design was adopted for the study using the single group
pre-test post-test design. Intact class which consists of second year science 2 ‘’A’’ and
science 2 ‘’B’’ science students studying elective Physics were used for the study.
Forty (40) second year science students studying elective Physics were used.
Purposive sampling technique was used for the selection of this class. The instruments
used for the study were attitudes towards Physics scale (ATPS), test and interview.
The attitudes towards Physics scale (ATPS) was used to measure students attitudes
towards Physics. The test and interview was used to examine students’ knowledge
and ability acquired in Physics concepts and general space science / astronomy
concepts. Percentages, mean, standard deviation and independent sample t-test were
used to answer the research questions. The results revealed that before the use of the
astronomical models students have positive attitudes towards Physics. There was
significant difference between the pre-test and post-test which suggests that the use of
astronomical models has helped in improving students achievements in Physics. Also
after the use of the astronomical models students still have positive attitudes towards
Physics. Based on the results obtained it was therefore recommended that teachers
must use astronomical models in teaching of astronomy related topics (the universe)
in Physics to improve students attitudes and achievements in the Colleges of
Education in Ghana.
Description:
A THESIS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE EDUCATION, FACULTY
OF SCIENCE EDUCATION, SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF
GRADUATE STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, WINNEBA IN
PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF
THE MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY IN SCIENCE EDUCATION DEGREE
SEPTEMBER, 2017