An investigation of the attitudes of secondary level students in Gozo towards science education

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the attitudes of Form 3 students, to their new science subjects, Physics, Biology and Chemistry. Research was carried in order to identify the students' perceptions towards these subjects while also investigating the factors which may affect these perceptions in some way. The data for this study by the use of questionnaires was attained from just over 200 Form 3 students from the Gozo College. Also interviews were carried out amongst 15 Science teachers who teach these students while also having another 15 interviews with students who used to attend one of the schools involved, and who are today following a science related course at a higher education institution. The main aspects which were investigated were the various beliefs which people have about science subjects, and also how these beliefs influence students. Also the study delved into the external factors which might influence perceptions in some way, as such the influence of parents, peers, siblings, relatives, teachers and guidance teachers, were all investigated.