Critical evaluation of G.C.E (A/L) physics practical in Akkaraipattu and kalmunai education zones

Abstract

Physics experiments are very much helpful to understand the theoretical concepts clearly and it provides clarification and consolidation of theories. Accordingly, physics practical are included in the G.C.E. (A/L) physics syllabi in schools in Sri Lanka. The aim of this work is to evaluate G.C.E. (A/L) physics practical process at schools in Akkaraipattu and Kalmunai Education Zones. Seven 1AB schools were selected for this study in these education zones. Simple scientific methods were adopted to analyze the data. Related data were collected from relevant students, teachers, principals and lab assistants. It has been found that around fifty percentage of the scheduled practical are conducted in these selected schools. Most of the practical are carried out from unit 1 to unit 3 of the physics syllabi in grade 12. Only a few students actively participate in the practical classes, as there is no experimental test in final G.C.E (A/L) examination. Question papers relating to each experiment were given to students who learnt theory before doing experiment and to students after doing experiment. The result of the two groups were compared and it reveals that the achievements of students after doing the practical was significant than the achievements of the students before doing the practical. It was found that major problems in conducting physics practical in these schools are lack of facilities, poor maintenance and unavailability of lab attendants.