Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the practices of teaching used by physics teachers in physics
course of studies to enhance students’ performance at preparatory schools at Jimma Town and Kersa
Woreda. To accomplish this purpose, a cross- sectional survey deign was employed. Data were collected
from 242 randomly selected students and 6 purposively selected physics teachers . Moreover, 2 school
principals and 2 Woreda Education Office (WEO) curriculum experts were participated through
purposive sampling technique. The researcher used questionnaire, interview and observation tools to
collect the relevant data for the study. Data were analyzed using frequency table, percentage, mean and
standard deviation, besides using descriptions for the qualitative data. The results of the study confirmed
that teachers were found to be less successful in using different active learning methods than dominantly
applying the traditional lecture method for all physics contents. Moreover, teachers did not sufficiently
engage the students in practical laboratory activities because of scarce laboratory equipment and trained
lab technician to support physics lesson. The Plasma Television (TV) lesson presentation is inefficient in
allocating adequate time for discussion, the improper pace in lesson presentation and the absence of
active interaction between students and plasma teachers. These entangled the students’ learning. In order
to alleviate those problems that arise from the teaching physics, the researcher recommends teachers to
use active learning methods that combine students’ prior knowledge with the new lesson that minimize the
knowledge gap and pave the way to easily understand new physics concepts. A collaborative work is
recommended for school and WEO to create better learning environment, in general and for physics
teaching specifically.
