An Investigation in to the Combined and Relative Influences of Some Selected Factors on Students’ Performance in Physics Among Secondary Schools of Bale Zone, South East Ethiopia

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to determine the relative and combined influences of selected factors (parental, teacher, school and student related factors) on students’ performance and level of students’ performance in Physics among selected secondary schools of Bale Zone. The research methodology employed in the study was a descriptive survey of ex-facto type. Purposive, stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 472 participants of the study. Educational administrators (principals or vice principals), Physics teachers, students, and supervisors at zonal levels were the subject of the study. Questionnaire, Physics achievement test and interview schedules were the major data gathering instruments used for the study. Besides, personal observation checklist was used to get additional evidences to the study.  Percentages mean values and grand mean were the statistical tools used to determine students’ level of performance in Physics and multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the relative and composite influences of some selected variables on students’ performance in physics. The findings of the study in general, revealed that, majority (74.8%) of the students scored below a pass mark in Physics model exam result. The regression analysis indicated that 72.5% of the variance in the performance of students in physics is significantly predicted by the combination of school, student parental and teacher related factors. School related factor was the single best predictor of students’ performance in Physics with beta weight of 0.472 (47.2%).The finding also showed that, teachers had lack of competency in their subject and method of teaching as well as lack of interest and motivation to be engaged in their professional tasks. It was also indicated that students showed a decline interest in learning Physics.  Based on the findings, Physics teachers should be given training on skills of performing practical activities through effective utilizations of available laboratory resources. Moreover, school managements, teachers, the community and the government at large must give consideration to the capacity building of the schools in terms of finance and training so that schools would be able to prepare laboratories with basic facilities and carrying out practical activities.

Keywords: performance, physics, factors