Abstract:

This paper evaluated the performance of Physical Science learners as a result of teacher support initiated at Nkowankowa Circuit. The programme was initiated with the aim of improving the performance of learners in Physical Science. The study focused on the teaching and learning of Physical Science through helping learners investigate relationships and solve problems in Scientific, technological and environmental contexts and how these impacted the performance of learners in Physical Science. Furthermore, the study also investigated how the programme impacted the attitude of learners towards Physical Science. Five (5) schools participated in the study. A mixed method approach was selected and for purposes of data collection, a questionnaire was administered, relevant documents reviewed and focus group interviews conducted. Findings reveal firstly, a strong correlation between learner attitude and the performance of learners. Secondly, the study suggests a strong correlation between the use of investigation, problem solving strategies and improved performance in the classroom. The programme had a positive impact on how investigative learning and problem-solving techniques improved learner attitude towards physical science and therefore improved performance in the subject. This became evident through improved learner performance in Physical Science and the change of attitude that learners displayed towards the subject. The programme yielded positive results and therefore can be recommended for implementation by the Department of Education at both district and provincial levels as one of the initiatives.

Keywords:

Attitude, Educator support, problem solving, Impact, investigative learning, learner performance, Physical Science.