ANALISIS KEPERLUAN GURU–GURU SAINS SEKOLAH RENDAH DALAM ASPEK PENGAJARAN SAINS DI DAERAH KOTA SETAR, KEDAH

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify the perceived needs of primary science teachers in the teaching of primary science. Components of teaching investigated in this study were (a) diagnosing and evaluating learners for science instruction, (b) planning science instruction, (c) delivering science instruction, (d) managing and administrating science facilities, and (e) science teachers’ self–improvement. This study also aims to identify the problems of teaching science, strategies to improve teaching and the in–service courses needed by science teachers. This information is an indirect measurement of the needs of science teachers. A survey which employs questionnaire was used in this study. Using randomly stratified sampling procedures, 120 primary science teachers were selected from 40 schools in the district of Kota Setar, Kedah Darul Aman. Frequencies and percentage were used to measure the most prevalent needs. The most prevalent needs indicated by science teachers were related to science teachers’ self improvement and diagnosing and evaluating learners for science instruction. More specifically, they indicated great help in the following areas: (a) being creative in science teaching, (b) getting information on innovation in science teaching, (c) improving knowledge of science related career for students, (d) improving knowledge of science related to societal issues, (e) developing knowledge in curriculum development, (f) constructing a simple science equipment, and (g) developing academic qualification. This findings provide base line information in planning, designing, and implementation of an effective in–service programs for primary science teachers.