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A-level chemistry students’ conceptualisations about the nature of chemical reactions
Citation
Boo, H. K. (1994, November 24-26). A-level chemistry students’ conceptualisations about the nature of chemical reactions [Paper presentation]. 8th Annual Conference of the Educational Research Association, Singapore.
Author
Boo, Hong Kwen
Abstract
The concept of chemical reaction is fundamental in the study of chemistry. This paper is based on a study which examines the nature and progression of sixth formers' understanding of the concept of chemical reactions. The main findings are that whilst most students gave a good account of the reactants and products involved, they were less able in their explanations of the processes and energetics of chemical reactions. Contrary to expectations for A-level, few students were able to utilise the scientists' approach of using a single consistent conceptual model to explain a multiplicity of superficially different events. Rather, these students held a variety of task-related alternative frameworks.
Date Issued
November 1994