Factors affecting the teaching of the theme on "physics in technology" in senior secondary schools in Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the factors affecting the teaching of Physics in Technology, a new theme under the Senior Secondary School Physics Curriculum which took effect in Nigeria after the last curriculum review. The study adopted the survey design, which involved all the Senior Secondary School Physics teachers in Ondo, Nigeria and it addressed three objectives. An instrument titled, Questionnaire on the Factors Affecting the Teaching of Physics in Technology (QFATPT), was used to obtain data for the study. The reliability of QFATPT was achieved using Cronbach Alpha Coefficient and a value of 0.76 was obtained. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings from the study showed that Physics teachers were aware that a new theme exists in the curriculum. Furthermore, assessment bodies such as the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) do not assess students on the new theme. The study concludes that while many teachers may be aware and perhaps even favorably disposed to the new curriculum theme on Physics in Technology, the challenges of access to resources for teaching and the absence of test items of the theme during national and local assessment militate against effective implementation of the newly added topics to the curriculum in schools. The paper closes with suggestions on the need for government to increase the awareness of Theme IV through workshops/seminars for in-service Physics teachers and also ensure the procurement of relevant materials/equipment to support local improvisation by teachers.