COURSE OUTLINE

PHYSICS TEACHING METHODS

METHODS I
UNIT ONE: Historical Development of Physics and Contribution to Society
 Historical Development of Physics
 The Nature of Physics
 What is Physics?
 Rationale for offering physics
 Main Lessons from history of physics
 Factors that led to accelerated development in Physics
 Terminologies in Physics
 The contribution of physics to society

UNIT TWO: Aims of Teaching and Instruction in Physics

 Aims of teaching physics in secondary schools
 General Objectives
 Objectives
 Bloom’s Taxonomy of the Cognitive Domain
 Methods of instruction in physics
 Factors to consider when choosing a method of instruction
 Teaching approaches commonly used in physics
 Lecture Method
 Teacher Demonstration
 Student Practical Work
 Project Work in Physics
 Teacher Roles in Motivating the Learners
 Aims of motivation
 Categories of Motivation
 Six strategies for motivating students to learn

METHODS II
UNIT THREE: Teaching Resources
 Physics Laboratory as a Teaching Resource
 Important Basic Requirements in the Laboratory
 Safety in physics laboratory
 Laboratory Rules
 Other Resources for Teaching Physics in secondary Schools.
 Main qualities of a good model
UNIT FOUR: Planning to Teach Physics
 Scheme of Work and Lesson Plan
 Components of a scheme of work
 Lesson Plan
 Common verbs used in writing instructional objectives
 Micro-Teaching

METHODS III
UNIT FIVE: ASSESSMENT IN PHYSICS
 Qualities of a Good Examination
 Characteristics of Structured Questions
 Tips on Setting Essay Questions
 PRACTICAL PAPERS
 Written Table of Test Specifications
 Examination Outcomes