Effectiveness of Classes VII and VIII Science towards Enhancing the Learning of Class IX Physics
Norbu Wangdi *
Gongzim Ugyen Dorji Central School, Ministry of Education, Post Office Box 15001, Haa, Bhutan.
Yeshi Dema
Katsho Lower Secondary School, Ministry of Education, Post Office Box 15001, Haa, Bhutan.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study aims to find out the effectiveness of classes VII and VIII science towards enhancing the learning of class IX physics. The sample of the study consists of 130 students and 12 science teachers of three secondary schools. The collection of data were administered using survey questionnaires and focus group interviews. The quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS and the interview data was coded based on themes. The study revealed that the basic concepts of class IX physics is already introduced in classes VII and VIII science textbooks. However, students face difficulties in understanding class IX physics. The study suggest that when three separate sciences are combined into a single science textbook, some concepts were not covered in detail. Therefore, the study recommends Ministry of Education, Bhutan to work towards developing bifurcated science: Physics, Chemistry and Biology for classes VII and VIII.
Keywords: Integrated, difficulty, effectiveness, basic-concepts, challenges, bifurcated.