Learning experiences in physics and attitude toward a career in physics among senior students of public high schools of Manila

• Main Author: Nagac, Conchita Pagute
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2000
• Subjects: Learning; Physics; High school seniors; Careers; Education
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/2604
• Institution: De La Salle University

This study assesses the senior students' perceptions of their learning practices and activities experienced in physics.The subjects/respondents of the study were 744 senior students at the Division of City Schools-Manila. Data for the study were collected on February 28 to March 8, 2000 using the two-part questionnaire developed by the researcher. These two-part questionnaires were the Learning Experiences in Physics Index [LEPI] and Attitude toward a Career in Physics Index [ACPI]-Sections A, B, & C. The statistical tools employed on the data gathered include the Cronbach Alpha Reliability Test for the reliability measure of each part of the instrument ANOVA for drawing the profile of the senior students' perceptions of their learning experiences in physics [LEP], attitude toward a career in physics [ACP] and the level of influence of some factors frequency and percentages were used to probe the senior students' career goals and aspirations and pairwise correlation and stepwise regression to analyze the relationship of LEP and ACP. The study revealed the affective aspect of LEP on the senior student's ACP. The major findings were the following: the senior students' perceived only a moderately positive LEP and a neutral ACP and some significant factors considered to have an influence on their decision to pursue a career in physics such as physics teacher, science teacher, parents, job opportunities, CONSTEL S & T IV (Physics) Series, showed also a moderate influence. Noteworthy in the findings were: the involvement of parents, discussion of science at home, approval for children to join field trips/visits to the science centrum, and encouraging them to work hard to get good grades, were significant predictors of positive attitude toward a career in physics. Furthermore, the study corroborated the specific type of approach to school science teaching that public high schools in Division of City Schools-Manila employed. It was confirmed that public high schools of Manila are teacher-centered schools. Teacher-centered schools correlated more with applied scientists (going to study engineering) in higher education.