Investigating Students’ Academic Performance in Physics Based on Kolb’s Experiential Learning Model in Rivers State

Abstract

The objective of the study was to determine the academic performance of students in physics based on their learning style. The population of the study was all science students (SS2) in Rivers state secondary schools. Sampling was done using cluster random technique. The total sample size of the study was one hundred and twenty (120) SS2 students. There were two instruments used in carrying out this study which were Kolbs’ learning style inventory/questionnaire developed by David Kolb (1984) and Physics Achievement Test (PAT) which was developed by the researcher. Percentage, Mean and standard deviation was used to analyze the data collected through the Physics achievement test. Analysis of variance was the statistical tool used to test hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. Findings of the study showed that convergers and assimilators are high academic achievers in Physics than other kinds of learning styles. The study recommended that Physics teachers should strive to understand the learning styles that is more common in his/her class and design physics lessons in that direction so as to aid understanding of the majority in the class.