Abstract:
ABSTRACT
The main purpose of this study is to examine and identify the constraints preparation and
utilization of instructional materials in teaching Physics to the students at Ambagiorgis
general secondary and preparatory school in Ambagiorgis town in Central Gondar zone.
In order to achieve the purpose of the study, descriptive survey method was employed.
The sources of data were grade 10 students 90 (45 males and 45 females), Physics
teachers including Department head total 11(9 males and 2 females), school principal
(one male), laboratory technician (one female) and head of SPC and member of SPC
(three males). The students’ sample were selected using lottery random sampling
technique. On the other hand, available sampling technique was employed for physics
teachers, school principal, laboratory technician and head of SPC and member of SPC.
Questionnaire, observation check list and achievement test were used as data gathering
tools. The data that were gathered using close ended questionnaires were analyzed and
interpreted through quantitative techniques by using frequency counts and percentage.
Similarly, the data that were collected through open ended questionnaires and observation
check list were analyzed through word explanation and also achievement test was
analyzed and interpreted by mean score, standard deviation, t-test, gain and chi-square
techniques. The result of the study showed that, teachers’ commitment and self-initiation
in preparing and utilizing physics instructional materials in physics laboratory and SPC is
very low. Furthermore, the study shows that there were no enough guide lines in Physics
laboratory and in SPC. The finding demonstrates also that there is no follow up sheets in
the Physics laboratory and SPC. Similarly, even though instructional materials are very
important in enhancing the performance of students, the contribution of school principal
and physics department head in supporting physics laboratory and SPC was very low.
The major problems associated with the preparation and utilization of instructional
materials was inadequacy of service training in the preparation and utilization of
instructional materials. Our research finding indicates that, the laboratory technician has
no basic skills in preparing and utilizing instructional materials and even has no
commitment. There are no also well-organized laboratory materials and apparatus in the
Physics Laboratory of the school.