Strategies In Solving Mathematical Physical Problems And Their Roles In Effective Teaching Of Physics In Ethiopia:

Abstract

The thesis presents problem solving strategies aimed at addressing major problems in learning and teaching physics. Physics problem solving strategy is a best tool in teaching of the subject and in making students understand the concept of what they are taught. In this regard this thesis includes physics problems solving strategies implemented in different preparatory schools on selected groups of students. The target of the study is to introduce the contents problem solving strategy in physical mathematical problems and its role on deep understanding of physics concept. Then forty eight Natural science students were purposively selected from each natural science section and taught in extra classes. In addition to this questioners were distributed to check prior awareness of teachers and students on the strategy and also student’s physics text books are analyzed using statistical tools like frequency, standard deviation and mean value of Pre and post intervention test results recorded to show their improvement. According to the finding of this research it is possible to conclude that implementation of the five steps of the strategies: that is, understanding the problem, describing the physics, planning the solution, carrying out the plan and checking the solution, is the best tool to improve student’s conceptual understanding. Investigations of students’ text books and questioners distributed for teachers and students indicated that physics teaching system is in lack of these important five step strategies.