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Junior college students' conceptions of intermolecular forces
Author
Chan, Kim Seng
Supervisor
Tan, Kim Chwee Daniel
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate junior college students' understanding of intermolecular forces following a course of instruction. Based on an analysis of the content for intermolecular forces required for the General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (A-Level) chemistry, a concept map was drawn and a list of propositional knowledge statements was written. These served as the framework to determine students' conceptions of the topic of intermolecular forces and to analyse the material on intermolecular forces provided in two textbooks.
Common alternative conceptions that students had pertaining to the topic of intermolecular forces were identified as well as the shortcomings of the two textbooks with regards to the material on intermolecular forces. Based on the findings of the study, a teaching package was developed by the author consisting of a set of lecture notes and tutorial questions. Think aloud questions were incorporated into the teaching package to allow students to reflect on their understanding, and hopefully, minimise alternative conceptions. The concept map on intermolecular forces was used as a summary of the topic to help students see the links between different concepts. This was to help students organise and clarify their conceptions, and develop scientifically coherent framework. The tutorial questions were designed to help students test their understanding of the important concepts in intermolecular forces and assist the tutors to identify any alternative conceptions that students have.
Common alternative conceptions that students had pertaining to the topic of intermolecular forces were identified as well as the shortcomings of the two textbooks with regards to the material on intermolecular forces. Based on the findings of the study, a teaching package was developed by the author consisting of a set of lecture notes and tutorial questions. Think aloud questions were incorporated into the teaching package to allow students to reflect on their understanding, and hopefully, minimise alternative conceptions. The concept map on intermolecular forces was used as a summary of the topic to help students see the links between different concepts. This was to help students organise and clarify their conceptions, and develop scientifically coherent framework. The tutorial questions were designed to help students test their understanding of the important concepts in intermolecular forces and assist the tutors to identify any alternative conceptions that students have.
Date Issued
2003
Call Number
QD461 Cha
Date Submitted
2003