What's Happening in Physics Classrooms? Is This Appropriate?

• In Event: Millennium Hotel Roundtable Session 16
  In Roundtable Session: Roundtable Session Focusing on Science Teaching and Learning

Abstract

This study investigated the interactions that occurred as part of the learning from a national survey of high school physics teachers in New Zealand (NZ) in relation to decile ranking. Specifically, the study investigated how often particular teaching strategies and practices such as: teaching approaches, teacher feedback and guidance, and ICT usage, occurred during physics teaching. Data were analysed using descriptive statistical and inferential statistics – MANOVA. Among other things, the study revealed that learners were not exposed to the teaching methods that potentially give them the chance to observe, engage and/or discover expert strategies in context. There was a lack of use of problem-based or inquiry learning models for learning. The implications of the findings are discussed.

Authors

• Isaac Buabeng, University of Cape Coast

• Lindsey N. Conner, Flinders University

• David Winter, University of Canterbury