Effects of Mastery Learning
Approach on Secondary School
Students’ Physics Achievement
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Egerton University, Egerton, KENYA
Publication date: 2008-10-22
EURASIA J. Math., Sci Tech. Ed 2008;4(3):293-302
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
This study aimed at finding out the effects of Mastery Learning Approach (MLA) on
students’ achievement in Physics. The study was Quasi-experimental and Solomon Four
Non-equivalent Control Group Design was used. The target population comprised of
secondary school students in Kieni East Division of Nyeri District. The accessible
population was Form Two students in district co-educational schools in the division.
Purposive sampling was used to obtain a sample of four co-educational secondary schools.
Each school provided one Form Two class for the study hence a total of 161 students
were involved. The students were taught the same Physics topic of Equilibrium and
Centre of Gravity. In the experimental groups MLA teaching method was used while the
Regular Teaching Method (RTM) was used in the control groups. The experimental
groups were exposed to MLA for a period of three weeks. The researchers trained the
teachers in the experimental groups on the technique of MLA before the treatment. Pretest
was administered before treatment and a post-test after three weeks treatment. The
instrument used in the study was Physics Achievement Test (PAT) to measure students’
achievement. The instrument was pilot tested to ascertain the reliability. The reliability
coefficient α was 0.76. Experts ascertained their validity before being used for data
collection. Data was analysed using t-test, ANOVA and ANCOVA. Hypotheses were
accepted or rejected at significant level of 0.05. The results of the study show that MLA
teaching method resulted in higher achievement but gender had no significant influence
on their achievement. The researchers concludes that MLA is an effective teaching
method, which physics teachers should be encouraged to use and should be implemented
in all teacher education programmes in Kenya.