Naslov
Could students’ attitudes toward learning Physics significantly predict their learning outcomes: Implications for innovative methods in teaching Physics

Autori
Martinko, Sanja ; Tatalović Vorkapić, Sanja

Izvornik
International Journal for Talent Development and Creativity (2291-7179) 5 (2017), 1, 2; 109-123

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
Innovative teaching methods ; Physics ; Students’ attitudes ; Learning outcomes

Sažetak
A modern educational process should approach students by taking into account all of their characteristics. A purely intellectual approach to teaching and learning should be replaced with a different approach that takes into account all of the other students' characteristics. Therefore, students’ attitudes toward learning specific school subjects are very important determinants of their learning outcomes. Through examining student attitudes, very important implications for creating innovative teaching methods could be defined. Traditional classrooms should be replaced with those with standing desks and other innovative teaching methods that enhance learning applied Physics. With the aim of postulating implications of specific innovative methods in teaching Physics, students’ attitudes toward learning Physics are analysed as possible predictors of students’ learning outcomes. The sample consisted of 557 eighth grade students from eight primary schools in Zagreb and Zagreb County. The collected data were analysed applying descriptive, correlation, and regression analysis. Overall, the study determined that students with more positive attitudes towards Physics achieved better scores in knowledge tests. Eight specific students’ attitudes toward learning Physics were determined as significant predictors of their learning outcomes. The content analysis of the students' attitudes implied that applied Physics would be the most understandable to students and that innovative teaching methods would improve their attitudes and learning outcomes in Physics. In addition, some students’ attitudes reflected gender differences and these differences should also be taken into account. Finally, some specific guidelines for implementing innovative teaching methods in Physics education and future research have been postulated.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Fizika, Psihologija, Pedagogija, Obrazovne znanosti (psihologija odgoja i obrazovanja, sociologija obrazovanja, politologija obrazovanja, ekonomika obrazovanja, antropologija obrazovanja, neuroznanost i rano učenje, pedagoške discipline)

POVEZANOST RADA