Influence of out-of-school experiences on students’ choice of physics at advanced level in Uganda. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/n03w5w39Keywords:
Advanced level, Out-of-school experiences, students’ choice, PhysicsAbstract
Introduction
The study aims to identify the types of out-of-school experiences that students perceive as influential in choosing physics for the Advanced level and to establish the relationship between Out-of-school experiences and the decision to study physics at the Advanced level.
Methodology
The study adopted a cross-sectional survey and descriptive research design. A total number of 133 students from 9 (3 private and 6 government) advanced-level secondary schools in Kabale District participated in the study. Purposive and stratified sampling approaches were used in particularly for the schools to participate in the study. Instruments used for the study included a questionnaire and interview guide for S.5 Arts and Science students.
Results
The respondents are predominantly males (61%) compared to females (53%), and their age distribution (16 -18) is characterized by (55%). The subject combination shows a relatively balanced distribution between sciences (53%) and arts (50%), with sciences being slightly more represented. Findings of the study indicated that several out-of-school experiences significantly influence students’ choice of Physics at the Advanced level. In addition, there is a strong relationship between out-of-school experiences and the decision to opt for the subject at A level. According to the chi-square test, results were statistically significant in all cases, with p < 0.05 in all cases.
Conclusion
Based on the study findings, it was concluded that out-of-school experiences significantly influence students’ choice of physics at A level.
Recommendation
It was recommended that educators and policymakers should consider integrating activities like extracurricular involvement, informal learning engagements, and supportive peer and teacher relationships to serve as catalysts that enhance students’ interest and motivation towards the subject to offer at the Advanced level, and experiences into educational frameworks to promote greater interest in Physics among students.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Evaristo Tukamuhabwa (Author)
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