Levels of Conceptual Understanding and Problem Solving Skills of Physics Teachers in Kinematics

The study aimed to determine the level of conceptual understanding and problem solving skills of Physics teachers in Kinematics. The study utilized a convergent parallel mixed method research design to collect quantitative and qualitative data. A validated researcher made tool was used in conducting the study. The study was administered to 44 public high school Science teachers in Toledo City, Cebu, Philippines, that are teaching Science at any grade level regardless of their field of specialization. Based on the findings of the study, most of the Physics teachers were female, General Science majors, and have 1 to 5 years of Science teaching experience. The overall level of conceptual understanding among Physics teachers was Developing, while their level of problem solving skills was Approaching Proficiency. The relationship between the level of conceptual understanding and the level of problem solving skills revealed a significant correlation. Moreover, teachers encountered difficulties in understanding and teaching Kinematics, applying mathematical skills, developing students' interests in Physics, and time allotment. Physics content knowledge is crucial in understanding Kinematics while integrating concepts with problems. This supported Lee Shulman's Content Knowledge theory and Jerome Bruner's Constructivism theory which emphasized the teachers' quality of teaching such as possessing a higher conceptual understanding and problem solving skills in Kinematics as it affects the teacher's quality of instructions and students' performances in Physics. The researcher recommended that curriculum specialists and school administrators shall provide training for teachers, especially non Physics majors, to enhance their conceptual and mathematical skills in Kinematics. Further studies may be conducted for out of field Physics teaching and students' conceptual understanding and problem solving skills in Kinematics or other Science related concepts. Apple Kae R. Lumantao "Levels of Conceptual Understanding and Problem-Solving Skills of Physics Teachers in Kinematics" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-6 | Issue-7 , December 2022, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd52589.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/physics/other/52589/levels-of-conceptual-understanding-and-problemsolving-skills-of-physics-teachers-in-kinematics/apple-kae-r-lumantao