Understanding reaction mechanisms is integral to success in organic chemistry; however, prior research suggests that learners struggle with recognizing the importance of underlying implicit features in reaction mechanisms. Because of this struggle, understanding how learners' reason about reaction mechanisms and developing assessments to elicit…

This article shifts from the formal learning spaces of school and university to an Australian public swimming pool to playfully engage some of the dilemmas that recent theory poses for curriculum studies. The article enacts multiple diffractions (Barad, 2007) as theory becomes swimming and swimming becomes theory, and ideas and movements are…

This symposium examined the status of teaching strategies and ancillary activities that are based upon a perception of the problems that interfere with or prevent the learning of chemistry. (Author/BB)

Describes research techniques in chemistry education that are based on listening to learners. Gives a brief history of think-aloud techniques and works through an example study to show considerations that must be made when doing this kind of research. Issues raised include conceptualization of research studies, preparation for their…

This study was concerned with the effect of subsuming concepts on student achievement and the interaction effect of subsumers with high and low organizing ability. One hundred forty-three subjects (Ss), enrolled in six sections of a class in undergraduate chemistry, were administered an organizing ability test and rank ordered according to the…

Describes a study done to compare the cognitive preferences of four student populations: postgraduate students in chemistry, students from academic high schools, those in vocational schools training to become lab technicians, and students joining science clubs. Results of a 34 item cognitive preference test are summarized. (Author/MA)

This study was designed to identify patterns of selections and performance characteristics displayed by individuals during a concept-attainment task. The relationships between selection patterns and individual characteristics were studied in addition to the effects of changes in task characteristics on selection patterns. The population was 200…

The study involved the development, implementation and evaluation of laboratory audio-tutorial activities in a college chemistry course. The activities were designed in a self-instructional mode, written as linear programs and taped instructions. A pretest was used in two instances, but all included a posttest. To evaluate the effectiveness of the…

This study utilized the instructional methods of discovery teaching and expository presentation to investigate the concept development of students in a remedial college chemistry class. Results indicate that the two sets of instructional materials did not lead to the same understanding of the concept. (BT)

In view of the research on education--and subject-related education in particular--that has been conducted in recent years, it would seem useful to describe the current state and future trends of research on science teaching and learning. In the present article, research findings are described, the deficits of science education are analyzed, and…

Discusses appropriate methodologies for investigating how learning occurs in the laboratory. Presents two techniques, concept mapping and V-diagramming, which can be effective research tools in probing students' understanding of chemical principles. These techniques can also be effective instructional tools that help students integrate lecture…

The paper divides achievement in chemistry into five independent factors: cognitive, affective, problem solving, routine manipulative skills, and observational modes. The study explores the relationship between student performance in these areas and their responses to a Cognitive Preference Test in chemistry. (RE)

Describes a video monitoring technique for detailed analysis of student use of computer-based learning programs which produces a synchronized record of computer output and student use; a study concerned with developing computer-based learning programs in chemistry which utilizes the technique; and advantages and disadvantages of the technique.…

Examines how information from psychological and educational research was used to develop and implement a remedial chemistry course, focusing on the viewpoint of a learning process based on research in cognitive science. Comments on textbook selection, testing, scheduling, instructional strategies, and other areas are included. (JN)

Presents research findings about textbook construction and how they should influence the development of chemistry texts. Discusses learning as a constructive process, the importance of interpreting symbolic representations, and the creation of structure by the learner. Advocates publisher responsibility for incorporating results of research when…