The Effects of Using Particle Diagrams on AIMS Students' Conceptual Understanding of Stoichiometry
The lack of conceptual understanding of Stoichiometry among high school students is a concern not only because it is a significant predictor of performance in college Chemistry but also because it reflects the need for instructional methods that teach students to use skills beyond mere rote memorization and algorithmic problem-solving. Studies have shown that a more visual pedagogical approach to teaching Stoichiometry could effectively advance student conceptual understanding of Stoichiometry. The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate the effects of using a visual-based instructional strategy on the conceptual understanding of Stoichiometry among thirteen tenth-grade Chemistry students at AIMS, Saraburi, Thailand. The approach involved systematic and extensive use of particle diagrams in their learning of four selected concepts underlying stoichiometry. The study further examined the attitudes of the students towards the method. The study employed the one- group pre-test post-test design. A Conceptual Stoichiometry Test (CST) designed by Kimberly and Yezierski (2015) and an Attitude Towards the Use of Particle Diagrams (ATPD) questionnaire developed by the researcher with the help of chemistry experts were the instruments used to collect data. Data were analyzed using the paired-sample t-test. Key results indicate that the approach had a significant effect on the students’ conceptual understanding of stoichiometry and that they had a favorable attitude towards the use of the method. It is recommended that chemistry teachers should be proactive and innovative in adopting research-based teaching strategies that support conceptual understanding.