Assessing the Impact of Students’ Attitudes on Their Engagement and Performance in Physics at Lower Secondary Schools in Rwamagana District, Rwanda

Valens Tujyinama and Celestin Ntivuguruzwa
African Centre of Excellence Innovative Teaching and Learning Mathematics and Sciences (ACEITLMS),
University of Rwanda-College of education, Rukara Campus (UR-CE)-Rwanda
Email: valenstujyinama@gmail.com

Abstract: The main goal of Rwanda’s education is to foster intellectual growth, meet social needs, advance the nation’s economy, and prepare learners for professional jobs. The current study assesses the impact of student attitude on their engagement and performance in physics at lower secondary schools in the Rwamagana district. The study adopted a qualitative design. To achieve the objectives of the study, purposive sampling method was used to select the participants and schools. 4 schools and 245 participants were selected purposively. Based on independent and dependent variables incorporated, a closed or fixed response interview was designed and administered to the senior three students, physics teachers, and DOSs for data collection. A computer software SPSS version 20 was used to analyse the data collected. The frequencies and percentages tables were obtained. The findings indicate that the students need to work hard, make efforts, and do extra activities toward physics. The majority of the students are interested and motivated to learn physics, and it shows that the students who attend class regularly and engage in teaching and learning activities toward the subjects will lead the creation of a positive attitude in the students toward the subjects. The current study suggests that the teachers and other stakeholders in education must control the attitude formation toward the subject early by using the teaching methods and teaching strategies for enhancing and controlling student interest, motivation, and eagerness. Should also discuss the importance of physics subject by linking them to real-world applications, real-world solving problems, and career applications.