Unifying thinking, theory and practice in physics education in South Sudan: a case study of secondary schools and Juba University

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine how teachers prepare learners for practical physics so as to enable them see connection between what they learn and its use in their daily life. Three objectives were set. These were; to establish the importance of experimental physics, to examine how teachers prepare learners for physics practical and to establish the relevance of ''learning essentials" that translate theory to practices in everyday students' life using descriptive research design following qualitative research method. The methods used for data collection were interview, focus group discussion and documentary analysis. Results showed a marked awareness amongst students, teachers, government officials and development partners about the importance and purposes of practical physics and its application in everyday life and in bringing about societal transformation in a forth right manner. Results also showed that teaching of practical physics has taken up a methodology deeply rooted in theoretical dimension. Lack of laboratory facilities, trained teachers, inappropriate teaching methodologies were found to be responsible for this. South Sudan secondary school curriculum is rich in practical content but lack of support to it and existence of Sudan curriculum have hindered its implementation. I concluded that education stakeholders are aware of the importance of practical physics and its application in everyday life but the methodology does not enable learners to achieve its purpose. Teaching is done theoretically. I recommended for increased awareness, increased funding for practical physics, training and retraining of practical physics teachers, review of the curriculum, provision of laboratory facilities and equipments and introduction of vocational workshop in secondary schools.