scholarly journals Comprehensive understanding of mole concept subject matter according to the tetrahedral chemistry education (empirical study on the first-year chemistry students of Technische Universität Dresden)

2018 ◽  
Vol 1022 ◽  
pp. 012034
Author(s):  
D W Prabowo ◽  
S Mulyani ◽  
K-H van Pée ◽  
N Y Indriyanti
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Study ◽  
Subject Matter ◽  
Chemistry Education ◽  
First Year ◽  
Comprehensive Understanding ◽  
Chemistry Students

Analysing the impact of a discussion-oriented curriculum on first-year general chemistry students' conceptions of relative acidity

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 543-557 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Shah ◽  
Christian A. Rodriguez ◽  
Monica Bartoli ◽  
Gregory T. Rushton
Keyword(s):  
Organic Chemistry ◽  
General Chemistry ◽  
Chemistry Education ◽  
Item Analysis ◽  
First Year ◽  
Chemistry Students ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Primary Determinant ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Relative Acidity

Instructional strategies that support meaningful student learning of complex chemical topics are an important aspect of improving chemistry education. Adequately assessing the success of these approaches can be supported with the use of aligned instruments with established psychometrics. Here, we report the implementation and assessment of one such curriculum,Chemical Thinking, on first-year general chemistry students' conceptions of relative acidity using the recently-developed concept inventory,ACIDI. Our results reveal that, overall, students performed significantly better onACIDIfollowing instruction, with scores consistent with those previously reported for students who had completed one semester of organic chemistry. Students performed equally well on a delayed post-test administered ten weeks after final instruction, which suggests that instruction promoted a stable conceptual reprioritisation. Item analysis ofACIDIrevealed that students generally made conceptual gains on items where inductive effects were the primary determinants of conjugate base stability and relative acidity. However, students overwhelmingly struggled on items where resonance was the primary determinant. Analysis of student–student arguments in active learning settings provided evidence for how the quality of student arguments impacted their conceptions. Overall, these findings suggest that students were able to avoid several superficial misconceptions cited in the literature about relative acidity, and that this topic, traditionally taught exclusively in organic chemistry, may be introduced earlier in the sequence of curricular topics. Implications for future studies on the role of argumentational aspects of student–student conversations and facilitation strategies in promoting or hindering meaningful learning are discussed.

ChemApproach: validation of a questionnaire to assess the learning approaches of chemistry students

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 723-730 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mika Lastusaari ◽  
Eero Laakkonen ◽  
Mari Murtonen
Keyword(s):  
Chemistry Education ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
First Year ◽  
Learning Approaches ◽  
Chemistry Students ◽  
Major Subject ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Master Level ◽  
And Gender

The theory of learning approaches has proven to be one of the most powerful theories explaining university students' learning. However, learning approaches are sensitive to the situation and the content of learning. Chemistry has its own specific features that should be considered when exploring chemistry students' learning habits, specifically the role of practicals (i.e. hands-on laboratory work), as they are crucial in chemistry education. Therefore, the aims of this study were to find and validate a questionnaire for measuring chemistry students' learning approaches. A 17-item questionnaire was tested with 561 Finnish chemistry students from four different universities. Students ranging from the first year bachelor level to the fifth year master level participated in the study. Statistical analyses showed that a four factor model fitted the data best and these factors were named submissive surface, technical surface, active deep, and practical deep. In order to establish validity, the model was further tested by analysis of the subgroups of the major subject and gender. The analyses show that the questionnaire is statistically valid and can be used for studying chemistry students' learning approaches.

How well does A-level Mathematics prepare students for the mathematical demands of chemistry degrees?

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 1190-1202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellie Darlington ◽  
Jessica Bowyer
Keyword(s):  
First Year ◽  
Chemistry Students ◽  
Undergraduate Chemistry ◽  
Undergraduate Study ◽  
Pure Mathematics ◽  
Entry Requirements ◽  
Good Preparation

332 undergraduate chemistry students were surveyed in order to establish whether they had found A-level Mathematics and/or Further Mathematics to be good preparation for their degree. Perceptions of both subjects were found to be positive, with more than 80% of participants describing Mathematics or Further Mathematics as good preparation. In particular, pure mathematics and mechanics topics were found to be the most useful. Additionally, over 90% of participants who had studied at least AS-level Further Mathematics reported that there was an overlap between the material they encountered at A-level and in the first year of undergraduate study. This indicates that prospective undergraduate chemists would significantly benefit from studying A-level Mathematics, and in particular may benefit from specialising in the study of mechanics, something which will only be possible through the study of Further Mathematics after qualifications are reformed in September 2017. Universities should consequently consider revising their entry requirements or recommendations to applicants.

scholarly journals Visualizing molecular structures and shapes: a comparison of virtual reality, computer simulation, and traditional modeling

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Corina E. Brown ◽  
Ben Whaley ◽  
Richard M. Hyslop
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Chemistry Education ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Molecular Geometry ◽  
Molecular Structures ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Chemistry Students ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Students Attitudes

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of three methods used to assist in teaching molecular geometry to college chemistry students. A pre- and post-test quasi-experiment was used to collect data about students’ performance in a given chemistry exercise. One research question was intended to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of the three methods in assisting students to understand the topic and carry out the exercise correctly, and a second research question addressed students’ attitudes towards the use of Virtual Reality (VR) in chemistry education. Results show a positive attitude towards the use of VR as an assisting tool to aid in understanding chemistry concepts. While the difference among the three methods was not significant, the results show that the VR brought more enthusiasm and positive attitudes toward the topic of molecular geometry among the students. Educational implications and recommendations for future research are presented as well.

An Empirical Study on the Impact of Design Brief Information on the Creativity of Design Outcomes With Consideration of Gender and Gender Diversity

2019 ◽  
Vol 141 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgios Koronis ◽  
Pei Zhi Chia ◽  
Jacob Kang Kai Siang ◽  
Arlindo Silva ◽  
Christine Yogiaman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Study ◽  
Undergraduate Student ◽  
Contextual Information ◽  
Gender Diversity ◽  
First Year ◽  
Main Effect ◽  
And Gender ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Collaborative Sketching

This study aims to understand how information in design briefs affects the creativity of design outcomes. We tested this during a Collaborative Sketching (C-Sketch) ideation exercise with first-year undergraduate student designers. We focus on four types of stimuli—quantitative requirements, a visual example (video), a physical example, and contextual information—and we measure creativity according to three metrics—novelty, appropriateness, and usability with either the participants’ gender or the gender diversity of the participants’ groups. The findings suggest that the main effect of providing a video example results in high appropriateness and usability scores but low novelty scores and that physical-contextual briefs have high novelty and usability scores. In addition, we did not find any correlation between gender or gender diversity and creativity scores.

scholarly journals TINGKAT PEMAHAMAN MAHASISWA PENDIDIKAN KIMIA PADA BEBERAPA KONSEP DASAR MATEMATIK YANG DIBUTUHKAN UNTUK KELANCARAN BELAJAR KIMIA KUANTITATIF

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 147
Author(s):  
Fahyuddin Fahyuddin ◽  
Liliasari Liliasari ◽  
Jozua Sabandar
Keyword(s):  
Chemistry Education ◽  
Multiple Choice ◽  
Specific Area ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Tree Level ◽  
Education Curriculum ◽  
Chemistry Students ◽  
Student Achievements ◽  
Mathematics Abilities ◽  
Mathematics Course

This study explores the basic mathematics abilities of pre-service chemistry students in the specific area of mathematics that consists of four sections, on logarithms, scientific notation , algebra, and graphs. The results of this study were used to develop content lecture of chemistry mathematics course in both chemistry education curriculum and science of chemistry. The participants were 150 students that consists of three level, one level, two, and three, each of 50 respondents. The basics mathematics ab ilities of three level chemistry students were compared with each other. The questions were used in this descriptive study are all multiple choice that developed based on four mathematics concept and related with the needs of chemistry students. The results ind icated that were not significantly differents in mathematics abilities among the tree level of students. Student achievements in basic mathematics consists of logarithms, scientific notation, algebra, and graphs wer, dan respectively. The mathematics concepts that are still difficult to understanding for students were algebra manipulation, transformation of mathematics equation from exponensial to logarithm equation, and understanding of graphs both exponensia l and logarithm equation.Penelitian ini mengeksplorasi kemampuan matematika dasar mahasiswa pendidikan kimia pada konsep logaritma, notasi saintifik, aljabar dasar, dan grafik. Hasil studi digunakan sebagai dasar untuk pengembangan bahan ajar mata kuliah matematika kimia pada kurikulum pendidikan kimia dan jurusan kimia. Sampel penelitian adalah 150 mahasiswa yang terdiri atas tiga tingkatan, yaitu tingkat 1, 2, dan 3 yang masing-masing 50 orang. Kemampuan konsep dasar matematik dari tiga tingkatan akan diperbandingan satu sama lain. Instrumen yang digunakan pada metode deskriptif ini berupa tes pilihan ganda yang dikembangkan berdasarkan konsep matematika yang diukur dan relevan dengan kebutuhan mahasiswa kimia. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa perbandingan kemampuan dasar matematik antara tiga tingkatan mahasiswa tidak memberikan perbedaan yang signifikant pada sejumlah konsep matematik yang bersesuaian dan nilai total. Untuk itu, kemampuan mahasiswa pendidikan kimia secara rata-rata pada konsep logaritma, notasi saintifik, aljabar, dan grafik berturut-turut adalah 58,6; 66,3; 51,2; dan 32,8. Konsep dasar matematik yang masih sukar dipahami adalah mengubah bentuk persamaan eksponensial ke bentuk logoritma, distribusi persamaan logaritma, hukum dasar aljabar, aritmetika bilangan dalam notasi saintifik, grafik persamaan eksponensial, dan grafik persamaan logaritma.

scholarly journals Turning chemistry education on its head: Design, experience and evaluation of a learning-centred ‘Modern Chemistry’ subject

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 179-194
Author(s):  
Ingo Koeper ◽  
◽  
Joe Shapter ◽  
Vanessa North ◽  
Don Houston ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Flipped Classroom ◽  
Chemistry Education ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Initial Assessment ◽  
First Year ◽  
Learning Approaches ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Final Exam

In science courses in general, but especially in first year chemistry classes, the amount of content that is delivered is often overwhelming and too complex for the student to easily cope with. Students not only have to gain knowledge in a variety of different field, they also have to learn new laboratory skills and analytical techniques. Additionally, there is an issue with more and more information being available to everybody through the internet, while our education often still focusses on delivering that knowledge, rather than exploring ways how students can be guided to understanding and using the knowledge provided. There have been different approaches on how to make ‘dry’ scientific concepts more interesting and how enhance student engagement, ranging from problem-based learning approaches, case studies or flipped classroom models. We have recently turned a fairly classic first year chemistry course on its head. In the new structure, students are gaining knowledge and understanding purely through the completion of a range of challenges. We have removed all lectures, tutorials and the final exam, and all interaction with the student happens in the laboratory. Throughout the semester, students attempt to complete a range of challenges, both theoretical and practical, find relevant information, propose approaches to solving the challenges, and discuss these and subsequent outcomes with academic staff. In order to analyse the design, we have conducted structured interviews with students from 2016-2018. Initial assessment of the data suggests a high level of engagement of the students, paired with a better preparation of students for their subsequent studies. Students enjoyed having the freedom to choose and design their own experiments. Additionally, students improved significantly in non-content related aspects such as timemanagement, organisation, planning and self-learning, with notable impact on their learning in higher years.

Towards a theoretically sound measure of chemistry students’ motivation; investigating rank-sort survey methodology to reduce response style bias

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Wang ◽  
Scott E. Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Education Research ◽  
Academic Performance ◽  
Q Methodology ◽  
Chemistry Education ◽  
Academic Motivation ◽  
Survey Methodology ◽  
Likert Scale ◽  
Response Style ◽  
Chemistry Students ◽  
Chemistry Education Research

Prior research has demonstrated the important role of chemistry students’ affect in academic performance. Likert-scale surveys are the most prevalent tools to measure students’ affect within chemistry education research, however, data collected through a Likert-scale survey may exhibit response style bias which can hinder accurately measuring students’ affect. This study investigates the utility of a novel survey methodology, termed rank-sort survey, in understanding students’ academic motivation in a general chemistry course. Informed by Q methodology, in a rank-sort survey participants rank a set of statements in terms of level of agreement with limits in place on how many items can be assigned a particular rank. In this investigation, a rank-sort survey was developed by using statements from an existing Likert-scale instrument, the Academic Motivation Survey in Chemistry. Data collected from the rank-sort surveys, compared to Likert-scale surveys, showed a better alignment with self-determination theory, the underlying theoretical framework, and a better ability to predict students’ academic performance in chemistry. The study also discusses which surveys in chemistry education research are likely to benefit from adopting a rank-sort approach.

Working with mental models to learn and visualize a new reaction mechanism

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 554-569 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Bongers ◽  
Georg Northoff ◽  
Alison B. Flynn
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Mechanism ◽  
Mental Models ◽  
Reaction Mechanisms ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Conceptual Models ◽  
First Year ◽  
Molecular Processes ◽  
Chemistry Students ◽  
Epoxide Opening ◽  
Novices And Experts

Creating and using models are essential skills in chemistry. Novices and experts alike rely on conceptual models to build their own personal mental models for predicting and explaining molecular processes. There is evidence that chemistry students lack rich mental models of the molecular level; their mental models of reaction mechanisms have often been described as static and not process-oriented. Our goal in this study was to characterize the various mental models students may have when learning a new reaction mechanism and to explore how they use them in different situations. We explored the characteristics of first year organic chemistry students’ (N = 7) mental models of epoxide-opening reaction mechanisms by qualitative analysis of transcripts and written answers following an audio-recorded interview discussion. We discovered that individual learners relied on a combination of both static (with a focus on symbolism and patterns) and dynamic (reactivity as process or as particles in motion) working mental models, and that different working mental models were used depending on the task. Static working mental models were typically used to reason generally about the reaction mechanism and products that the participants provided. Dynamic working mental models were commonly used when participants were prompted to describe how they pictured the reaction happening, and in attempting to describe the structure of a transition state. Implications for research, teaching, and learning from these findings are described herein.

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