Investigation Into Physics Practical Lessons In Senior High Schools

This study aimed to examine issues concerning physics practical lessons in senior high schools within the Cape Coast Metropolis. Primary data were collected through a survey of 432 SHS physics students, whose responses formed the basis of this investigation. The principal research tool employed was a well-structured student questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were utilized to outline the demographic characteristics and motivations of the students studying physics, as well as to assess school and teacher-related factors affecting their practical lessons. Additionally, the study identified challenges that hindered the success of physics practical sessions in these schools. Binary logistic regression was employed to analyze the factors influencing achievement in physics practical lessons.

The findings indicated that approximately 69% of the students were male, and over 50% of both male and female students’ guardians had attained tertiary education. Moreover, 79.2% of students reported sufficient weekly periods allocated to physics lessons, 97.7% had access to libraries, 93.1% had science laboratories, and 93.5% had functional water reservoirs at their schools. Around 72.5% of the students regularly utilized physics formulas and laws to solve problems in their lessons. A significant majority (80.6%) demonstrated comprehension of mechanics practical lessons, followed by light (75.4%), heat (72.4%), and sound (57.5%). Statistical analysis indicated that achievement levels in sound, heat, mechanics, and light practical activities were positively correlated at a significance level of 0.01, with no significant differences observed among them.

In conclusion, the study found that students generally had a better grasp of mechanics practical lessons and were more adept at handling mechanical instruments compared to lessons involving light, heat, and sound. Additionally, it was noted that male physics students encountered fewer difficulties with handling instruments during practical activities than their female counterparts