EFFECTS OF 5Es TEACHING CYCLE ON RETENTION ABILITY IN RADIOACTIVITY CONCEPT AMONG SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS OF VARIED ABILITY IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA
| Authors | Contact |
|---|---|
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Dr. Mbamalu Oby Justina Department of Science Education Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike, Ebonyi State, Nigeria |
obymbamalu@gmail.com |
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Dr. Isiadinso Nnenna Chizoba Department of Science Education, Enugu State University of Science and Technology |
nnennamuojekwu4@gmail.com |
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of the 5Es Teaching Cycle on the retention ability of senior secondary school students of varied ability levels in the concept of Radioactivity in Physics in Enugu State, Nigeria. The study was motivated by the persistent poor retention and achievement of students in Physics, particularly in abstract concepts such as radioactivity. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest non-equivalent control group design was adopted. The population comprised Senior Secondary Two (SS II) Physics students in public secondary schools in Enugu State. A sample of students selected through purposive sampling participated in the study. The instrument for data collection was the Radioactivity Retention Test (RRT), validated by experts in Physics Education and Measurement and Evaluation, with an established reliability coefficient. Data collected were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). Findings revealed that students exposed to the 5Es Teaching Cycle retained radioactivity concepts significantly better than those taught using the conventional lecture method. The study also found no significant gender difference in students' retention when taught using the 5Es Teaching Cycle. The study concluded that the 5Es Teaching Cycle is an effective learner-centered instructional model capable of enhancing students' retention of Physics concepts irrespective of ability level. It was recommended that Physics teachers be trained through workshops and professional development programmes on the effective implementation of the 5Es Teaching Cycle in secondary school classrooms.
Keywords
5Es Teaching Cycle, Radioactivity, Retention Ability, Physics Education, Ability Levels
