Investigation in the introductionary nuclear physics course for pre-service physics teachers

Abstract

Introductory Nuclear Physics course is found in the curriculum of pre-service physics teachers in the Institute of Teachers Training at South Borneo. This research is carried out to describe the implementation of the course, the perceptions and knowledge of nuclear physics for pre-service physics teachers. This research used a descriptive quantitative method. The research sample used purposive sampling which consist of 42 students on eighth semester and one lecturer of the course. Data was collected through documentation techniques, questionnaires, interviews and observations. The results of the investigation showed that: (1) the course process was not interesting enough by the dominant lecture method of the course and teaching materials written by lecturers without using the latest research results; (2) pre-service physics teachers tend to have negative perceptions and their knowledge were only limited to the knowledge contained in teaching materials written by the lecturer. Therefore, improvements are needed in the course process to answer the challenges of negative nuclear effects through the Education for Sustainability Development (ESD) approach and utilize the latest research results.