INTELLECTUAL ABILITIES PREDICTING STUDENTS' PERFORMANCE IN PHYSICS COURSES

Abstract

Students' continuous poor performance in Physics courses in tertiary institutions over the years has been a source of serious concern to all stakeholders in the educational sector. This study investigated three intellectual abilities viz: mathematical ability, spatial ability, and concept development as factors which
predict students' performance in Physics courses. Using Akanu lbiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana as a case study, the research findings revealed that despite the adequacy and availability of quality instructional materials, 53.3% of the studied population were below average (scored less than 40 marks) in terms of intellectual ability required to excel in Physics even as teachers' outlook, commitment and approach to delivering Physics instructions were found to be reasonably high. The study recommends that aggressive guidance and counseling at secondary school level should be adopted, with greater emphasis on Physics education at that level so as to give
students strong foundation on the subject. It also recommends that Physics teachers should improve on their instructional methods and approach in order to improve students' understanding and performance in the subject.