PRACTICES AND CHALLENGES IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PHYSICS CURRICULUM IN HARARI NATIONAL REGIONAL STATE

Abstract

This study was intended to assess the practices and challenges in the implementation of secondary school physics curriculum in Harari National Regional State. A descriptive survey design of study was designed for the purpose of the study. The subjects of the study were 436 students selected by using stratified random sampling techniques; 4 supervisors, 4 school curriculum committee leaders, 19 physics teachers and 9 principals were selected by purposive sampling technique. Both qualitative and quantitative data were obtained through questionnaires, interview guide, and observation checklist and document analysis. Both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses of data were employed. The data obtained were analyzed using frequency, percentage and chi-square. The finding with respect to the current practice of physics curriculum implementation showed that the practices of secondary school physics curriculum implementation are not as stated in the syllabus in secondary schools of Harari National Regional State. With respect to the factors affecting physics curriculum implementation, the findings revealed that lack of consideration of practical activities as assessment strategies; absence of introducing teachers with the syllabus; inappropriateness of the teaching methods; inadequacy of in-service training for teacher; lack of trained laboratory technician; lack of continuous assessment and students' lack of background knowledge in mathematics were the major factors influencing implementation of the physics curriculum in secondary schools of Harari National Regional State. Motivation of physics teachers; improving student’s mathematics knowledge; teaching of physics by relating theoretical concepts with real life situation; hiring trained laboratory technician; providing on job training for physics teachers; considering of practical activities as assessment strategies; provision of sufficient physics reference books in the library, motivating students towards learning physics ; continuous evaluation of physics syllabus and strengthening CPD were the possible strategies suggested to solve factors affecting physics curriculum implementation in secondary schools of Harari National Regional State. Key word