Non-Physics Majors' Level of Confidence in Teaching Physics: Basis for a Teacher Enhancement Program

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The adoption of the K to 12 curriculum in the Philippines brought challenges to the Junior High School Science teachers. They tend to teach concepts not within their areas of specialization. This study determined the profile of non-Physics majors and their level of confidence in teaching Physics as a basis for designing a proposed teacher enhancement program.

METHODS

The study used a descriptive survey type of research. A questionnaire with a mixture of Likert-scale and open-ended questions was administered to the 40 non-Physics majors of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo National High School. The data gathered were treated with the use of frequency count, percentage, and weighted mean. Also, an unstructured interview was conducted to support the findings of the study.

RESULTS

The results revealed that all teachers have finished Science courses but with varied areas of specialism. The percentage distribution per specialization was as follows: 52.5% Biology, 27.5% General Science, 15% Chemistry and 5% Physical Science. As for the number of years in teaching K to 12 Science, 57.5% of teachers have taught for 4-6 years and 42.5% for 0-3 years. Furthermore, the data showed that teachers were confident in teaching topics for Force and Motion and less confident in Energy with an average mean of 2.7 and 2.4, respectively. Moreover, Chemistry and General Science Majors were confident in teaching Physics while Biology and Physical Science Majors were less confident. On the other hand, only Grade 10 teachers were confident in teaching Physics.

DISCUSSIONS

The low level of confidence was attributed to their limited knowledge, the unfamiliarity of the concepts and use of mathematical skills. The results implied the need for a teacher enhancement program such as a short course in Physics, peer teaching, and in-service training to help teachers gain self-confidence and improve the teaching-learning process in Physics. Hence, the Proposed Teacher Enhancement Program in Physics (PTEPP) was planned.