Increasingly, studies are investigating the factors that influence student discourse in science courses, and specifically the mechanisms and discourse processes within small groups, to better understand the learning that takes place as students work together. This paper contributes to a growing body of research by analyzing how students engage in…

This paper describes the results of a qualitative study using ground theory to investigate the different approaches used by chemists when answering open-ended problems. The study involved undergraduate, industrialist and academic participants who individually answered three open-ended problems using a think aloud protocol. Open-ended problems are…

Organic chemistry is an essential subject for many undergraduate students completing degrees in science, engineering, and pre-professional programs. However, students often struggle with the concepts and skills required to successfully solve organic chemistry exercises. Since alkyl halides are traditionally the first functional group that is…

This paper describes the outcomes of a qualitative investigation into the range of different approaches that students use to solve open-ended, context rich problems. The study involved a small cohort of students individually solving open-ended, context-rich problems using a think aloud protocol. The problems required the students to develop a…

Assessment instruments developed specifically for chemistry classrooms have increased in number over the past decade. In the design, development, and evaluation of these instruments, the chemical education community has adopted many of the practices and standards used by the greater assessment communities. Methodologies for creating new assessment…

This study examined the understanding of chemical equations developed by three students with blindness who were enrolled in the same secondary-school chemistry class. The students were interviewed while interpreting and balancing chemical equations. During the course of these interviews, the students produced diagrams using Braille symbols that…

Reported is a study designed to improve problem-solving skills of high school chemistry students. Interpretations of the data are presented. Recommendations for improvement in teaching problem solving in chemistry are proposed. (CW)

Compared in this research was the performance of students on numerical versus conceptual chemistry problems at the introductory college level. Separate analyses were done to compare high and low achievers. It was shown that even the upper group of achievers had difficulty with concept questions. (CW)

Analyzed was the performance of students on numerical versus conceptual chemistry problems in their freshman general chemistry course and their sophomore organic chemistry course. Data indicated that the ability to solve a problem did not necessarily imply an understanding of the concepts involved. (CW)