Simulated Physics Class Management: Does It Predict Student’s Academic Achievement?

Abstract

In this paper, we examined how simulated physics class management predicted the percentage of students who achieved a grade point average of B or better as reported by teachers in secondary school physics classes. We conducted this study with the eighty-two secondary school physics teachers who were members of the American Modeling Teachers Association (AMTA), and used physics educational technology (Ph. T) simulations in their physics classes from 2013 to 2014 in New York schools. We used the linear regression analysis to determine the relationship between simulated secondary school physics class management and student academic achievement of grade point average (GPA) of B or better. Classroom management was significantly related to the percentage of students who achieved a grade point average of B or better, F(7.166) = 12.50, p < .001, indicating that class management accounts for 12.5 percent of the variance of the percentage of students who achieved a grade point average of B or better. To improve their students’ academic achievement, teachers should focus on the use of simulations to manage secondary school physics classes.