Mathematics Education

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A Blended Approach of Jigsaw-4 and Problem-Solving Strategies in Preserv-ice Physics Teachers’ Understanding of Newton Laws of Motion Concepts and Their Affective Factors
(Addis Ababa University, 2024-03) Zerihun Anibo; Desta Gebeyehu
Education in the twenty-first century needs new, creative instructional approaches to teach, like the active learning method, to help students understand physics concepts better. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Blended Approach of Jigsaw-4 problem-solving strat-egies on factual, conceptual understanding, procedural knowledge, problem-solving skills, moti-vation, and perception in a mechanics course, particularly on laws of motion, compared to the conventional method in the college of teacher education in the Southern Nation Nationality Peo-ples Regional State. In this study, 136 preservice physics teachers were chosen non-randomly from four colleges of teacher education. A quasi-experimental, non-random pretest-posttest re-search design with a mixed research method was used. Factual knowledge diagnostic tests, con-ceptual understanding tests, procedural knowledge tests, problem-solving skills tests, and phys-ics motivational questionnaires were administered to all groups as pretests and posttests. After the treatment, 24 preservice physics teachers, six from each group, were interviewed semi-structurally to collect data. In terms of data analysis, descriptive statistics, paired sample t-tests, and inferential statistics such as Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), post hoc tests were used for the analysis of the quantitative data, whereas deductive coding of verbal description was used for qualitative analysis. The findings of the quantitative analysis revealed statistically significant differences in preservice physics teachers' conceptual understanding, procedural knowledge, and problem-solving skills in learning laws of motion, which were found to be better after learn-ing through Jigsaw-4 problem-solving strategies. Concerning motivation, it was found that the blended Jigsaw-4 problem-solving strategy had a significantly superior effect over other prob-lem-solving strategies and conventional instruction. The interview analysis was drawn out using five major themes of pre-service physics teachers’ views: conceptualizing concepts of force view, the advantage of frictional force view, laws of inertia view, third law of motion view, and nature of frictional force view. It was found that preservice physics teachers' views improved more through Jigsaw-4 problem-solving strategies. In conclusion, the blended Jigsaw-4 problem-solving strategy using the TECMRER ( Thinking, Exploring, Choosing Strategies, Manipulation, Reflection, Evaluation, and Reteaching ) model improved learning of physics more than the Jig-saw-4 Techniques of Teaching, Problem-Solving Strategies, and conventional method. Finally, the researcher suggested that physics teacher educators have to use the Jigsaw-4 problem-solving strategy using the TECMRER model to develop the conceptual understanding, procedur-al knowledge, and problem-solving skills of preservice physics teachers in laws of motion con-cepts. Keywords: factual knowledge, procedural knowledge, conceptual understanding, problem-solving skill, Jigsaw-4-problem-solving strategy
An Analysis of the Ethiopian General Secondary Schools Mathematics Curriculum: Emphasis on the Curriculum Component Development
(Addis Ababa University, 2009-06) Yenealem Ayalew
The aim of this study was to analyze the appropriateness and adequacy of the current curriculum. The process underwent to bring, the nature of parts, and the comparison with national and international experiences were focal points for the research. In pursuit of these objectives, a mixed research approach was employed with due emphasis to qualitative approach. Data were generated from present and past curriculum materials, pertinent official documents, and from teachers and experts of mathematics. Coding sheets and openended interview guide were used to gather and process data. Percentage intercoder agreement was then calculated to interpret the data found from the coding sheets. Narrative analysis was carried out for some document inspections and interviews. The study revealed that the process under taken to bring the first edition (2001) of the syllabus and the need assessment prior to Plasma TV inauguration were not adequately gone. There is no significant progression of the current curriculum compared to its immediate predecessor. Compared to Sandford and ICS Mathematics curriculum and Mathematics education, individualized and studentcentered instruction, intensive learning and assorted instruction and evaluation methods were lacking areas. The harmony of learning objectives, contents, teaching methods and assessment mechanisms is maintained in the current curriculum. However, the levels and types of objectives and methods are not apt to permit students enrich with problem solving, independent thinking, and skill & attitudinal change capabilities. Based on the findings, some suggestions are forwarded.
An Assessment of the Participation of Female Students in Practical Class of Physical Education;the Case of Chercher Secondary School, West Hararghe Zone Oromia National Regional State
(Addis ababa University, 2019-05-27) Negase Duga; Bezabeh Wolde
This study was entitled an assessment of females students participation in practical class of physical education: the case of Chercher secondary school which studied by NegaseDugaDesta in Addis Ababa Universty. The main objective of the study was assessing participation of female students in practical class of physical education in Chercher secondary school. The study was delimited on assessment of the participation of female students in Physical education practical class: the case of Chercher secondary school. The data sources for this study were primary sources and secondary sources. Primary data were collected through questionnaire, observation, interviews and, focus group discussion while secondary data were collected from both published and unpublished materials. Physical education teachers and the school principals were selected purposively; while the female students were selected based on systematic sampling. The study employed qualitative research and quantitative research methodology. The collected data were analyzed by using SPSS Version 20 software application by its tabulation, frequency, percentage, graphs and charts. In this study descriptive and explanatory research were employed. The total population of this study was 202. From these, 194 were female students 5 are physical education teachers and 3 are the school principals. Findings of the study Revealed that a female students have few support to participate in practical class of physical education and other sport activities, because of cultural and religious influences, teachers less commitment and less concerns for female students, lack of support and appreciation from the families of female students, lack of sport facilities in school, lack of concerns of the school administration are few of them from the findings of the study. Based on the findings, the researcher recommended that for encouraging the successful female student participation in practical class of physical education, harmful traditional practices of the society should be corrected by teachers and school principals and, the stake holders should give emphasis for schools sports by allocating enough budget specially for females.
Assessment on Teaching Methods of Physical Education Teachers during Practical Class: In the Case of Three Government Primary Schools at Woreda 1, Yeka Sub City, Addis Ababa
(Addis Ababa University, 2023-10) Salem Difabachew; Tesfaye Asgidom
The main purpose of the study is to assess the teaching methods of physical education teachers during physical education practical class at Yeka sub city, woreda 1 government primary schools. It also aimed at finding out factors contributing to the gap between physical education teachers’ theoretical knowledge of teaching practical class and their actual teaching. The total populations of the study were 18 physical education teachers (13 males and 5 females) with the age range of 20 to 41. Thus, the researcher has used purposive sampling to take all physical education teachers (18/18) of the total populations. Mixed approach involving both qualitative and quantitative approaches was employed for the study. Observation, questionnaire and focus group discussions were used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. The qualitative data was collected from focus group discussion held with 9 of the teachers systematically taken from the 18 populations of the study. There was also a classroom observation aimed to see all the teachers’ overall physical education practical class teaching practice. The quantitative data was drawn from questionnaire administered to all the teachers. The data collected was analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The findings of this study revealed that the teaching methods used by physical education teachers are inappropriate for practical classes. Teachers use only demonstration and lecture while having many other methodologies during practical class. They most of the time give balls to their students and leave them till the bell goes. Thus, teachers are not teaching in view of the PGDT (the how to teach) courses they have taken in higher institutions. Majority of the teachers do not meet the minimum qualification. There is lack of on-job trainings on physical education practical class teaching methodologies. The administrators in particular and the school societies in general haven’t good attitude to the subject. They perceive the subject as having no use than entertaining students. In all the schools observed there are no sport facilities or equipments except few balls. Finally, the study suggests that teachers have to teach the practical class in accordance with the knowledge they have gained in the PGDT courses of the teaching institutions. Practical and gap filling professional assistance i.e sustainable trainings on the current physical education practical class teaching and learning practices should be provided to the teachers. Moreover, the school should assign teachers who meet the minimum qualification to the level. Besides, different awareness creation stages should be prepared with the schools’ administrators in particular and the school societies in general on the role of the subject.
Association Between Participation in Sport and Academic Achievement of Preparatory Students in Adama Town, Oromiya Regional State, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2016-09) Shewangzaw Tsige; Bezabih Wolde
The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between sport participation and academic performance of preparat01Y school students. Sports and academic performance of students has been a topic of study for years. On the one hand, supporters of sports program in educational institutions say that participation in sports improves students' grades, academic achievement, raises their educational aspirations, and keep them in schools. On the other hand, others say that participation in sports distract time away from the classroom and divert students' attention from study. It is not possible for students to achieve excellence in sports as well as in education. The study was conducted in two Government and two private preparat01y schools of Adama Town, Oromiya Regional State, Ethiopia. An interview question and a structured questionnaire on five point Likert scale were developed and utilized for collection of data. J 0 education officials, coaches, sport teachers and 204 students were selected through purposive and random sampling techniques respectively. The data derived from these Likert scales were evaluated using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) 19.0 software through descriptive statistics (Mean), independent samples t-test (p<0. 05) and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (p
Association Between Participation in Sport and Academic Achievement of Preparatory Students in Adama Town, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2026-04-30) Shewangzaw Tsige; Bezabih Wolde
The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between sport participation and academic performance of preparatory school students. Sports and academic performance of students has been a topic of study for years. On the one hand, supporters of sports program in educational institutions say that participation in sports improves students ' grades, academic achievement, raises their educational aspirations, and keep them in schools. On the other hand, others say that participation in sports distract time away from the classroom and divert students ' attention from study. It is not possible for students to achieve excellence in sports as well as in education. The study was conducted in two Government and two private preparatory schools of Adama Town, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. An interview question and a structured questionnaire on five point Likert scale were developed and utilized for collection of data.10 education officials, coaches, sport teachers and 204 students were selected through purposive and random sampling techniques respectively. The data derived from these likert scales were evaluated using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) 19.0 software through descriptive statistics (Mean), independent samples t-test (p<0.05) and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (p
Awi Zone Preparatory Secondary School Students’ Misconceptions on the Concept of Limit, Continuty and Differentiablity
(Addis ababa University, 2011-05-30) Habtamu Zegeye; Sileshi Yitebarek
The main purpose of this study was to investigate both the type and extent of Awi zone preparatory secondary school students’ misconceptions on the concept of limit, continuity and differentiability. The research approach in the study was employed qualitative – quantitative approach which is mixed approach with descriptive survey design. Workout Problem Test (WPT) and structure interview were the data gathering instruments used for this study. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the data sources of the study for WPT and interviewing respectively. One-hundred eighty six (186) grade 12 students were involved in the study as a source of evidence and source of data. Accordingly, the result of the study indicates that students have misconceptions by considering existence of limit at a point as a sufficient condition for a function to be continuous at that point and there was a misunderstanding between limit, continuity, and differentiability due to the confusion of their relations, and confusion between limit and the function value. Furthermore, the findings shown that, students have misconception by perceiving a function has to be continuous and defined at a point to have a limit at that point, they thought that if the function f has a limit at a point, and then it must be continuous and defined at that point and they thought that a limit can be found by a method of substitution were the major types of misconceptions that students have formed . Majority of students in Awi zone have misunderstanding and confusions about the conditions of continuity (59%) and about differentiability (61%). A little less than half of the students (49%) confused on the concepts of the existence of limit of a function at a point and continuity of a function at that point.
Basketball Basic Technical Training Effect on Students’ Performance Level: The Case of Kellem Preparatory School at Kellem Wollega Zone
(Addis ababa University, 2016-01-30) LetaTadese; Mebratu Belay
The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of basketball technique training on the students’ performance level; the study comprises 30 students of 11th grade in kellem preparatory school. The students were selected purposively from the class. Additionally, PE teachers were selected as coaches. The Quasi-experimental study is used to carry out this research. In this attempt, data were collected through and observational checklist. The result of the study clearly showed that kellem preparatory school students practice two days per week and 40 minute per session for continuous eight weeks. Ultimately, Basketball technique performance level of post-test, after eight weeks was conducted using the pre-test performance level of the students. The study was to investigate whether there was statistically significant difference between the performance levels before they went into the training. The age ranges of participants were “between” 17-19. In this quasi-experimental research, the T-test was used to compute and analyze pre-test and post-test results of the selected students and the results revealed that the selected group outperformed significantly (p<0.05). The major constraints associated with kellem secondary school found to have low interest of students’ to participate in basketball game due to its unpopularity in this area, lack of facilities and equipment, lack of playground in the villages and in the schools. Finally, based on the major findings some valuable suggestions were forwarded to some valuable places beginning from school principal to higher Federation.
Blended Physics Laboratory Experiments and Teacher Education Students' Learning of Electricity and Magnetism
(Addis Ababa University, 2023-07) Zemenu Mihret; Shimeles Assefa
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of blended physics laboratory experiments on teacher education students' conceptual understanding, understanding of the nature of science, and attitude toward physics laboratory experiments in a laboratory course that included concepts of electricity and magnetism. The study used a non-randomized quasi-experimental mixed methods design with pretest-posttest. It comprised a total of 63 per-service physics teachers enrolled at three colleges of teacher education, with 16 in the blended experiment group, 26 in the virtual experiment group, and 21 in the real experiment group. The first treatment group used a blend of real and virtual experiments; the second treatment group solely used virtual experiments; and the comparison group exclusively used real experiments. With the exception of the type of manipulative utilized, similar experiments from the physics laboratory course were taught to all three conditions using a guided inquiry-based approach. Conceptual understanding test for electricity and magnetism, understanding of the nature of science questionnaires, and attitudes towards physics laboratory questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data. Besides, qualitative data were gathered from participants on their opinions regarding the instructional strategies, the mode of physics laboratory experiments, and potential enhancements. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, and thematic analysis. Results showed that blended experiments significantly improved students' attitudes towards physics laboratories, while virtual modes of laboratory experiments promoted conceptual understanding. Despite slight mean differences in favor of the treatments, there was no significant difference in understanding of the aspects of nature of science between the treatment and comparison groups. The majority of participants preferred blended and virtual modes of experimentation over real ones, despite some participants raising concerns about access to computers, additional software training, and more practice time. The efficacy of the various modes of physics laboratory experiments could depend on factors other than the media per se, such as the type of instructional strategy, curricular materials, and additional learning time. It is recommended that further study be done using different methodologies on the efficacy of different modes of experimentation to resolve conflicting results and produce optimal learning. Keywords: Attitude towards physics laboratory, Blended laboratory experiment, Conceptual understanding, Electricity and magnetism, Understanding of the nature of science
Challenges in Teaching Gymnastics: With Specific Reference to Astbi Wereda Secondary Schools, Tigray Region.
(Addis Ababa University, 2026-04-30) Tedros Kiros; Solomon Teka
The purpose of this study was to identify the challenges in teaching gymnastics in Atsbi wereda secondary schools namely Atsbi, Dera and Haikmesal secondary schools and to suggest to them challenges. In order to gathering relevant data from the study samples questionnaires, interviews and observation check-lists were used as the main data collection instruments. The target population of the study involves 2308 students, teachers and school principal. From this population the study sample size involves 460 or (20%) of students were selected using simple Random sampling technique that is lottery methods, 5 physical education teachers, 3 schools Principal and the sample schools were selected using purposive sampling technique. Three basic questions were raised to achieve the objectives of the study. To answer those basic research questions, descriptive survey research design and mixed research method were employed. The data were analyzed using SPSS version-16 software package using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and percentage. The study found the challenge related with students, with the physical education teachers and with the school principal. The researcher finding shows that, in order to bring improvement of teaching gymnastics challenges such as large class size, time allotment, inter-school tournament, lack of gymnastics equipments, lack of skills in gymnastics and experience must be improved. In view of this summary, conclusion and recommendations are provided.
Challenges of Continuous Assessment in Teaching Physical Education: The Case of Dalota Secondary School
(Addis Ababa University, 2024-01) Diriba Tesfa; Fikadu Eshetu
This study aimed to explore the Challenges of Continuous Assessment in Teaching Physical Education in Dalota secondary school. Four basic questions were raised to achieve the objectives of the study. A descriptive survey research method was employed to answer these basic research questions. Students, HPE teachers, and school directors were the participants of this study. 160 students were selected by using the scientific method (mathematical formula) stated by Miller and Brewer (2003) from Dalota secondary school whereas 4 HPE teachers and 2 school principals were also selected by using purpose sampling method for this study. The main findings of this study were: scarcity of time on the implementation of CA in both practical and theoretical assessments, lack of sport facilities such as sport fields, large class size, lack of follow-up by school principals, lack of feedback system on the implementation of continuous assessment, lack of awareness on the advantages of continuous assessment in both practical and theoretical assessments were the main challenges of continuous assessment. Based on the research findings, the researcher tried to put a solution for this study by: giving sufficient time on the implementation of CA in practical assessment, filling the sport facilities for HPE teachers such as preparing sport fields, preparing the necessary materials, motivating PE teachers, enhancing students interest towards physical education class, , following-up of supervisors or school administrators, giving immediate feedback on implementation of continuous assessment for the students’ etc were recommended in general. Keywords: Physical education, Assessment, continuous assessment, implementation,
Challenges of Secondary School Teachers Attitude to Wards Physical Education Teaching Practical Class in the Case of Selected Secondary School of Oromia Special Zone Surrounding Finfinne
(Addis Ababa University, 2019-08) Charay Aikob; Tesfaye Asgedom
The purpose of this study investigate the challenges of secondary school teachers attitude towards towards in P.E teaching pi Class's income selected secondary schools of Oromia special zone surrounding finfinne . The lotal population of the study were 1650 students 24 P E Teachers and 24 school directors in which the researcher selected sampling size of 60 student using random sampling technique and 24 P.E teachers and 12 school directors were selected using purposive sampli.ng. Among 6 weredas Three were selected and among eight administrative towns three were selected by simple random sampling technique and all of the (6) secondary schools in those weredas and administrative were included as sample. The instruments used 10 collect essential information and data; the researcher used questionnaire, interview and observation by using checklist tools. Data obtained through questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS.20 version, frequency, mean, average mean & standard deviation Moreover, data gathered through interview and observation were considered to triangulate the questionnaires in narrative form, The findings of this study revealed that there is an in significant passion of school PE teachers ,Scarcity of P E materials to impalement their plan ,lack of sustainable methodology of P.E practical c lass and lack of support of school directors on P.E practical class. School leaders did not Support PE practical Class financially and ideally. Furthermore Lack of enough knowledge of P.E teachers on practical class, Scarcity of PE materials to do practical class, lack of support of school directors on PE practical class are among the major factors that hinder the implication of PE practical class. Secondary school teachers of physical education have not satisfactorily implemented Practical class techniques. Generally the finding of this study revealed that the lack of enough knowledge 0 Secondary school teachers were poor in clarifying the learning objective of PE practical Class f PE teachers on PE practical class , Scarcity of the P.E Practical, lack of support of school directors the major findings of the study, Therefore the Ormoia education braes should capacitate PE teachers and facilitate PE. materials used for PE practical class. Key words:- Physical education , Attitude, Sport ,teaching , practical class , P.E teacher
Challenges of Teaching Physical Education in Axum, Nigste Saba, Wukro Maray and Kinfe Gimedhn Preparatory Schools: In Central Zone, Tigray Region
(Addis Ababa University, 2016-08) Tewelde G/Michael; Solomon Teka
Teaching of Physical Education faces more challenges ill most countries. Due to these same challenges teachers are not at the appropriate positions to conduct high quality physical education at the same time the students are not at the position of being benefited from this same. It means the objectives of high quality physical education manifested on the students decline. Thus, the objective of this study aimed to examine challenges of teaching physical education in Axum, Nigste Saba, Wukro Maray alld Killfe Glmedlm preparatOlY schools in central zone, Tigray region. And with central objectives of the research ill mind, the researcher applied descriptive study design on the basis of its relevance to the study. Target subjects were also selected usillg stratified sampling and the researcher selected 200 preparatOlY students as the sample size fr01l1 the total population 667 preparatOlY students. The researcher selected 30% students from the total population. As of the data presentation, allalysis and discussion showillg us preparatOlY schools ill central zOlle of Tigray regioll have IIOt enough materials for the students to participate in physical activity and in which help teaching physical education. In addition preparatOlY schools in central zone of Tigray regioll have not methods of teaching that the teachers used to make the lesson attractive and participative & encouragillg students to relate theOlY with practice and skill of participation activities. Moreover, studellts were ill the trend of engaging ill less than their average school based physical activity they were with less degree of agreement ill their responses to items about challellges of teachillg physical educatioll. school resources and teaching method in a survey study are worded such that high values of a theoretical construct is reflected by high scores on these same items. So it is betterfor the region to give prime ill due consideration to challenges of teaching physical education related to resources in allocatillg budget to support high quality physical educatioll. Key words: Physical educatioll, sport, teaching, leamillg, Motivatioll, interest.
Challenges of Teaching Physical Education: the case of Alge, Sachi and Suphe Secondary Schools in Ilu Abba Bora Zone of Oromia Regional National states.
(Addis Ababa University, 2016-04-30) Shewanesh Waktola; Sutuma Edessa
Objectives; to find out the challenges of the implementation of Alge, Sachi and Suphe secondary schools of Alge district, status of facilities and the attitude of teachers and students towards Physical Education. The study targeted 900 participants from the three secondary schools of Alge district. Questionnaires for the students and interview schedules for the participants and teachers were used for data collection. Validity of the research instruments was ensured by discussing with the member staffs. The research utilized descriptive statistics and presented them in tables. The study found that there is no enough time provided for Physical Education. Physical Education is not adequately staffed and there are no facilities in school for Physical Education. The condition of the available facilities is not enough in Alge, Sachi and Suphe secondary schools of Alge district. The performance of the of Physical Education teachers towards the lesson is negative. The principals should be sensitized on the importance of Physical Education to understand their role in the implementation of the Physical Education subjects. Every school should be mandated to provide the necessary facilities needed for the challenges of implementing of the subject of Physical Education. Research findings may enable the Educational bureaus of Alge in development of Physical Education subjects and to identify challenges facing its implementation in Alge, Sachi and Suphe secondary schools of Alge district. Every researcher may also benefit from the study as bases for further study.
Comparison of Physical Fitness Level of Urban and Rural Students in Secondary School of Hawassa
(Addis Ababa University, 2017-09-01) Fetiya Kedir; Mekbib Alemu
The objective of the present study was to compare the physical fitness level of urban and rural students in secondary schools of Hawassa and to identify the relation of physical fitness with academic achievement. The study was carried out on 400 students of both the sexes in which 219 were rural (113 males + 106 females) and 181 were urban (87 males + 94 females). From the selected participants 215 were from grade 9 and 185 participants were grade 10 students. Selected health related fitness components and all skill related fitness component tests were conducted to compare rural and urban back ground students who are learning in 7 governmental schools of Hawassa town. Descriptive (average, standard deviation) and inferential statistics (independent t- test) were used for data analysis .The results of the study indicated that in most measured parameters there were significant difference between rural and urban students (p<0.05). In most health and skill related fitness rural male and female students were better than their urban counterparts.
Context-Based Instructional Approaches and Preparatory School Students’ Learning of Rotational Motion
(Addis Ababa University , 2019) Fikadu Eshetu; Shimelis Assefa
This study aims to explore the effectiveness of context-based instructional approaches as compared to the traditional instruction on eleventh grade students‟ conceptual understanding, problem-solving skill and their affections toward rotational motion. The study was conducted using an embedded mixed-method research design. For the quantitative part, a multiple group quasi-experimental pre-test post-test control group research design was applied. Students written answers to the tests were also analyzed. Data was also collected from learners and teachers regarding their views on the instructional methods. A total of 166 eleventh grade students of three preparatory schools participated in the study. REACT strategy of context-based instruction and traditional instruction integrated with context-based instruction were used to teach the two treatment groups while traditional method was used in the comparison group. The treatment lasted for seven weeks, and the data were collected through conceptual understanding test, problem-solving skill test and affective characteristics questionnaire. Furthermore, classroom observation and interviews were also used to collect data. The study result revealed that context-based approaches produced a significantly better acquisition of rotational motion concepts than the traditional instruction. The approaches can also be used in the classroom instruction to develop better affections towards physics. Hence, teachers‟ should consider adopting school physics to context- based approaches for raising literate students. With regard to students‟ problem-solving skills, the result shows the existence of mean differences between the groups in favor of treatment groups although this difference was not statistically significant. When solving problems, students give much emphasis on mathematical equations and less emphasis to the concepts. In future studies, both recent problem-solving strategy trainings and active learning methodologies should be used simultaneously for enhancing students‟ problem- solving skills better. Physics text book writers and curriculum developers should have to also rethink of introducing latest problem-solving strategies in students‟ text books. On the other hand, in all the assessed variables, the combined method was slightly better than the REACT strategy as it can be used with optimum time efficiency (i.e., without being too slow or too fast). Hence, others are recommended to try combining traditional instruction with active learning strategies. Furthermore, the approaches are gender friendly
Context-Based Instructional Approaches and Students’ Scientific Reasoning Skills, Conceptual Understanding and Epistemological Beliefs in Biology
(Addis Ababa University, 2024-05) Wuleta Ketema; Habtamu Wodaj
The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a context-based Relating, Experiencing, Applying, Cooperating, and Transferring (REACT) instructional strategy on students’ scientific reasoning skills, conceptual understanding, and epistemological beliefs on heredity concepts. In this study, a mixed-methods approach and a convergent embedded experimental design were used. One hundred thirty-one tenth grade students took part in the study. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. Three schools and three intact classes were selected randomly from each school. Treatment groups 1, 2, and comparison groups were assigned randomly to each school. Treatment group 1 received a context-based REACT instructional strategy; treatment group 2 received conventional instruction integrated with context-based activities; and conventional instruction was used alone to teach heredity concepts in the comparison group for six weeks. All groups received pre- and post-tests of the genetics conceptual understanding test, scientific reasoning skill test, and epistemological beliefs questionnaire. During the intervention, classroom observations and, after the intervention, semi-structured interviews were conducted. The quantitative data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and analysis of variance (ANOVA), while narrative analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. The MANOVA results showed that there were significant mean score differences between treatment group 2 and the other two groups in favor of treatment group 2 in both conceptual understanding and scientific reasoning skills. Nevertheless, there was no significant difference between treatment group 1 and the comparison group in both variables. The observation and interview results supported these findings. The one-way ANOVA result also showed that there were significant mean score differences between the groups in favor of the treatment groups when it came to epistemological beliefs. However, there was no significant difference between treatment groups 1 and 2. This suggests that, compared to conventional instruction, the context-based instructional strategy had a positive effect on students' epistemological belief shifts toward expertise. In conclusion, this study found that integrating context-based activities with conventional instruction has more effect on three variables than context-based REACT strategy and conventional instruction alone. Key words: context-based instruction, conceptual understanding, scientific reasoning, epistemological beliefs, heredity
Development of Tools and Assessment of Ethiopian Students’ Pattern of Scientific Reasoning at the Upper Primary Level in the Hadiyya Zone
(Addis Ababa University , 2020-12) Tsedeke Abate; Kassahun Michael,
Studies indicate that the failure of science education to meet the needs of the 21st century is to some extent due to the inability to incorporate scientific reasoning and higher order assessments in the school instruction. Though the outcomes of education seek higher-order thinking abilities there is a lack of high ability assessments in low-income nations. The purpose of this mixed methods research is to explore students’ way of reasoning and develop and validate the Scientific Reasoning Progress Tool (SRPT) which measures students’ reasoning abilities. The phenomenographic study was used to explore grade eight students’ patterns of reasoning, and to validate an assessment tool the descriptive survey method was used. The qualitative analysis of students’ interviews elicited three major themes of student views towards different levels of scientific reasoning: naïve, mixed, and scientific along with the underlying ways of reasoning. For the quantitative part of the study, 40 items were developed, pilot tested, and administered for 242 grade eight students at six schools. Rasch Analysis was used to develop and validate the items with the help of Winsteps. It was found that the SRPT is offered as a valid and reliable instrument that is a construct-driven, domain-specific, and a higher-order thinking assessment that can measure students’ reasoning progress. However, it was found that the reasoning ability of grade 8 students’ is limited to lower level reasoning and they faced difficulty in attaining higher-level reasoning like iv generating evidence and drawing conclusions. This study has produced a valid and reliable assessment tool to measure students' scientific reasoning abilities and a theoretical model that could be used to develop assessment tools. The framework and design of this research may be adapted to develop additional instruments to investigate the learning progression of students’ scientific reasoning in middle and high school classes in Ethiopian and other low-income countries.
Effect of Conditioning Exercise on Skill Related Physical Fitness Components at Amuru High School of Oromia Region
(Addis Ababa University, 2018-03) Kassahun Geta; Kassa Michael; Aschanaki Tadesse
This study attempted to investigate the effect of conditioning exercise on skill related physical fitness components through instructional intervention at Amuru high school. Purposive sampling method to select for four section of grade 9thAmuru secondary school technique because in quasi experimental method Simple random sampling method to select the subjects with experimental group and control group by lottery was used to select 76 female and 74 male grade 9th students aged 15 to 17 years fromAmuru high school. Exercise programs of conditioning exercises were performed in a form of training for the experimental group under this study for eight weeks. The activity was given from April 25 to June 25/ 2015, with the frequency of 3 days per week for 2 months and the duration was 40 minutes per session. The skill related physical fitness variables selected for the study were: speed, coordination, agility, balance, power and reaction time. Data were analyzed by using paired samples t- test with pair wise comparison of means at 95% confidence interval for both pre and posttests, and across comparison and experimental groups. The results indicated that there were significant improvements on skill related physical fitness variables due to the effects of conditioning exercise training with active rest (p ≤ 0.05). This study confirmed that conditioning exercise training with active rest was significant to improve the speed, coordination, agility, balance, power and reaction time variables. The study showed that students who were exposed to conditioning exercise training have revealed positive outcomes towards the speed, coordination, agility, balance, power and reaction time. Key words፡ conditioning exercise, fitness, intensity, physical activity, physical fitness
Effects of eight weeks circuit training on muscular strength and endurance of students: the case of Enchini Secondary School
(Addis Ababa University, 2024-10) Dereje Gebeyehu; Sutuma Edessa (Ass. prof)
This study examines the effects of 8 weeks circuit-training program on muscular strength and muscular endurance of selected students from Enchini Secondary School. A total of 30 students of age 17-19 were selected using purposive sampling as study population. The circuit training regimen involved exercises designed to enhance muscular strength and endurance and was conducted twice a week for 40 minutes per session. The study employed a pre-test and post-test design to evaluate the effects of circuit training on the six station groups of participants conducting exercises. Data were collected on the performance of participants during the pretest before getting training and after two months circuit training on six stationed exercises and analyzed in comparison of the measurement results of posttest with the pretest outcomes. As a result of circuit training exercises for two months, the performance of participants on six station components was improved: pushups by 15.4, jumping jack by 15.9, Sit-up by 11.6, jump rope 15, step-up by 12.7 and pull-up by 6 and showed clear demarcations differences of the pre-test and post-test results. The study concludes that circuit training can significantly improve physical fitness in adolescent males, making it a valuable exercise modality for schools and fitness programs. Recommendations for future research include exploring various circuit training protocols including diverse participant groups and assessing long-term effects and psychological impacts. Key Words: Circuit-training, Effect, Fitness, Muscular endurance and Muscular strength

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