Active learning strategies in physics teaching

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine physics teachers' opinions about student-centered activities applicable in physics teaching and learning in context. A case study approach was used in this research. First, semi-structured interviews were carried out with 6 physics teachers. Then, a questionnaire was developed based on the data obtained from the interviews. This questionnaire was implemented to 40 physics teachers in Amasya, a small provincial city in Turkey. Finally, a semi-structured observation chart was used in physics lessons to determine how these activities were demonstrated. In this way, the relation between teachers' views about active learning techniques and their actual implementation were compared. The findings indicated that although teachers were aware of student-centered physics instruction, they were still using traditional techniques widely.