Development and Validation of Heat Energy Achievement Test for Senior Secondary Two Students in Physics in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria.

Abstract:

This study was undertaken to develop and validate heat energy achievement test (HEAT) for senior secondary two students in Jos metropolis, Nigeria. The heat energy achievement test is an instrument for determining the achievement of students in Physics from the senior secondary two Physics curriculum. The inappropriate use of relevant teaching strategies which are not student-centred and poorly developed test instruments by classroom teachers may result in lack of better understanding of Physics concepts by students and hence, the poor achievement of students in Physics. This study was, therefore, carried out to assist teachers to be more effective in constructing achievement tests in Physics. The HEAT was developed, validated, and was found to be reliable (coefficient of reliability = 0.83) for use as a test instrument. It was further administered to students offering Physics. Recommendations were made which include Postgraduate students of Physics Education and related courses should adopt or adapt HEAT, instead of developing, when carrying out research involving heat energy measurements.