Student achievement and factors related to mechanics achievement in Zanzibar middle secondary schools

This study investigated the achievement amongst Zanzibar’s form four students and the relationship of selected variables to achievement in mechanics which also determines the standard of physics performance. Zanzibar physics teachers complained that the standard of physics performance has fallen amongst form four students (form five students for Malaysian education system). They lamented that students were unable to answer even the basic questions in basic mechanics. These grievances were not substantiated by any study before. Therefore, it is important to study the Zanzibar’s student achievement in mechanics and factors related to their achievement. Objective of this study was to investigate the mechanics achievement correlates, and to assess the standards of physics performance. Survey research method was used to investigate the achievement; the achievement correlates and achievement difference. Sample of 413 students from 14 secondary schools was selected through two stage sampling technique. Multiple-choice test and questionnaire were the instruments used for data collection amongst students. Also, questionnaires were the instruments used for data collection amongst physics teachers and head teachers. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate the mean and standard deviation. Correlation analysis investigated relationships between variables and achievement. T-test was used to compare students’ mechanics achievement between the variables; and ANOVA was used to compare physics Grade Point Average (GPA). The results revealed that, attitudes, learning environment and motivation are factors related to achievement. There were significant differences on mechanics achievement score by gender, location, resources and leadership. However, there were no significant differences in Grade Point Average of physics performance for three consecutive years (2001, 2002 and 2003). In Conclusion, attitudes, learning environments and motivation revealed to be the correlates of academic achievement and the standard of physics performance found to be fluctuating up and down. Future studies on mechanics achievement correlates are recommended.