Factors Affecting Enrolment and Performance in Physics Among Students in Agago District, Uganda

TABLE OF CONTENT

CERTIFICATION

DECLARATION

DEDICATION

AKNOWLEDGEMENT iv

TABLEOFCONTENT v

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS viU

ABSTRACT

CFIAPTER ONE 1

INTRODUCTION 1

1.0 Introduction 1

1. 1 Background to the study 2

1.2 Statement of the Problem 7

1.3 Objective of the Study 8

1 .4 Research Questions 8

1.5 Purpose of the study 9

1.6 significance of the study 9

1.7 Scope and Limitation io

1.8 Assumption ofthe study 10

1.9 Theoretical Framework 10

1. 10 Conceptual Framework 13

1.11 Operational Definition of Terms 14

CHAPTER TWO 16

LITERATURE REVIEW 16

2.0 Introduction 16

2. 1 Modern trends in teaching physics and teacher characteristics 17

2.2 Enrolment in physics 18

2.3 Performances in physics 19

2.4 Gender differences 20

2.5 Mathematical and spatial abilities 21

2.6 Attitude towards sciences 22

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2.7 Entry behavior .24

2.8 Resources 24

2.9 Summary 25

CHAPTER THREE 26

METHODOLOGY 26

3.0 Introduction 26

3.1 Research design and process 26

3.2 Location of the study 27

3.3 Target population 28

3.4 Sample and sampling procedure 28

3.5 Research instruments 29

3.5.1 Students’ questionnaire 29

3.5.2 Teachers’ questionnaire 30

3.5.3 Physics lesson observation schedule 30

3.5.4 Science HOD Interview schedule 30

3.5.5 Students~ assessment test 30

3.6 Pilot study 31

3.7 Data collection procedure 31

3.8 Data and data analysis 32

3.9 Logical and ethical considerations 32

3.9.1 Logical considerations 32

3.9.2 Ethical considerations 32

CHAPTER FOUR 33

RESEARCH FINDINGS, PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATIONOF DATA .33

4.0 Introduction 33

4. 1 Enrolment in physics 34

4.2 Performance and enrolment in physics 36

4.3 Resources, enrolment and performance 38

4.4 Teaching methodology and performance 40

4.5 Learners’ attitude on enrolment and performance 41

4.6 Mathematical/spatial ability on enrolment and performance 43

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4.8 Entry behavior, enrolment and performance.47

4.9 school administration enrolment and performance 49

CHAPTER FIVE 51

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 51

5.0 Introduction 51

5.1 Summary of the main findings 51

5.1.1 Resources for physics instruction 51

5. 1.2 Teaching methods for physics and teacher characteristics 52

5,1.3 Mathematical and spatial abilities 52

5.1.4 Attitude towards sciences 52

5.1.5 Entry behavior and learning physics 53

5.1.6. Gender and leaming Physics 53

5.2 Conclusion 53

5.3 Contribution of the study to the body of knowledge 54

5.4 Recommendations for action 55

5.5 Recommendation for further research 56

REFERENCES 57