The Effect of Problem Based Learning (PBL) Instruction on Students’ Motivation and Problem Solving Skills of Physics
Aweke Shishigu Argaw 1, Beyene Bashu Haile 2, Beyene Tesfaw Ayalew 3, Shiferaw Gadisa Kuma 4
More Detail
1 PhD candidate department of science and mathematics education, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia.2 PhD candidate, Department of Physics, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia3 PhD Candidate, Department of Physics, Wollega University, Ethiopia.4 Lecturer of Physics in Wachemo University, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background:
Through the learning of physics, students will acquire problem solving skills which are relevant to their daily life. Determining the best way in which students learn physics takes a priority in physics education. The goal of the present study was to determine the effect of problem based learning strategy on students’ problem solving skills and its role in building their motivation.

Material and methods:
A quasi-experimental research method was adapted. Problem solving inventory test and motivation scale were used to collect data. Subjects included were 81 grade 12 students taken from Wachemo Preparatory school.

Results:
There was a mean difference between comparison and experimental groups. The covariate analysis shows that the difference was statistically significant with effect size above average. However, there was insignificant difference in motivation to learn physics.

Conclusions:
The study suggested that to improve students’ achievement, schools must adapt the PBL method carefully. However, students’ motivation to learn physics remains vague.

License

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Article Type: Research Article

EURASIA J Math Sci Tech Ed, 2017, Volume 13, Issue 3, 857-871

https://doi.org/10.12973/eurasia.2017.00647a

Publication date: 14 Dec 2016

Article Views: 16333

Article Downloads: 17428

Open Access References How to cite this article