Exploring Secondary Students' Understanding of Chemical Kinetics through Inquiry-Based Learning Activities

Sanoe Chairam; Nutsuda Klahan; Richard Coll

doi:10.12973/eurasia.2015.1365a

Full Text (PDF)

Sanoe Chairam ¹ ^* , Nutsuda Klahan ¹, Richard Coll ²

More Detail

¹ Ubon Ratchathani University² University of Waikato^* Corresponding Author

Abstract

Background:
The purpose of this research was to move Thai secondary school students from a passive, teacher-dominated experience to more active, student-centred learning through inquiry-based learning activities.

Materials and methods:
This work used the multiple-choice questions, scientifically practical diagram and questionnaire to assess students’ understanding of chemical kinetics.

Results:
The findings suggest that there was a difference in students’ understanding of chemical kinetics as measured via diagnostic tests. While students made significant progress in drawing concept lists, phrasing scientific questions, identifying variables, designing experiments, presenting data and analyzing results, they showed only some improvement about drawing conclusions in practical classes.

Conclusions:
This more active, student-centred learning seemed to help students enjoy activities and become interested in learning chemical kinetics.

Keywords

inquiry-based chemistry laboratory
student understanding
science process skills
chemical kinetics

License

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Article Type: Research Article

EURASIA J Math Sci Tech Ed, Volume 11, Issue 5, 2015, 937-956

https://doi.org/10.12973/eurasia.2015.1365a

Publication date: 25 Aug 2015

Article Views: 4112

Article Downloads: 4233

Open Access References How to cite this article

References

Bloom, B.S. (Ed.) (1956). Taxonomy of educational objectives, handbook I: Cognitive domain. New York: David McKay.
Cakmakci, G. (2010). Identifying alternative conceptions of chemical kinetics among secondary school and undergraduate students in Turkey. Journal of Chemical Education, 87(4), 449–455.
Çalik, M. & Ayas, A. (2005). A comparison of level of understanding of eighth-grade students and science student teachers related to selected chemistry concepts. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 42(6), 638–67.
Carin, A. A., Bass, J. E., & Contant, T. L. (2005). Teaching science as inquiry. Columbus, OH: Person Education.
Chairam, S., Somsook, E., & Coll, R. K. (2009). Enhancing Thai students’ learning of chemical kinetics. Research in Science & Technological Education, 27(1), 95-115.
Cho, Y. I. (2008). Intercoder reliability. In P. J. Lavrakas (Ed.), Encyclopedia of survey research methods (pp. 344-345). Thousand Oaks: Sage.
Choi, M. M. F., & Wong, P. S. (2004). Using a datalogger to determine first first-order kinetics and calcium carbonate in eggshells. Journal of Chemical Education, 81(6), 859–61.
Coll, R. K., Jansoon, N., Dahsah, C., & Chairam, S. (2010). Fostering teacher innovation in chemistry teaching in Thailand: Helping Thai science teachers move towards a learnercentred student classroom. In M. V. Zulijan, & J. Vogrinc (Eds.), Facilitating effective student learning through teacher research and innovation (pp. 193-223). Ljubljana, Slovenia: University of Ljubljana.
Dahsah, C. & Coll, R. K. (2008). Thai grade 10 and 11 students’ understanding of stoichiometry and related concepts. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 6(3), 573-600.
Davidowitz, B., Rollnick, M., & Fakudze, C. (2005). Development and application of a rubric for analysis of novice students’ laboratory flow diagrams. International Journal of Science, 27(1), 43–59.
Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. S. (2003). Introduction: The discipline and practice of qualitative research. In N. K. Denzin, & Y. S. Lincoln (Eds.), Collecting and interpreting qualitative materials (pp. 1-45). Thousand Oaks: Sage.
Driver, R., Asoko, H., Leach, J. Mortimer, E., & Scott, P. (1994). Constructing scientific knowledge in the classroom. Educational Researcher, 23(7), 5-12.
Fraenkel, J.R., Wallen, N.E., & Hyun, H.H. (2012). How to Design and evaluate research in education. NY: McGraw-Hill.
Gott, R. & Duggan, S. (1996). Practical work: its role in the understanding of evidence in science. International Journal of Science Education, 18(7), 791-806.
Haidar, A. H. (1997). Prospective chemistry teachers’ conception of the conservation of matter and related concepts. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 34(2), 181–197.
Hegarty-Hazel, E. (1990). The student laboratory and the science curriculum: An overview. In E. Hegarty-Hazel, The student laboratory and the science curriculum (pp. 3-26). London; Routledge.
Hofstein, A., & Walberg, H. J. (1995). Instructional strategies. In. B. J. Fraser, & H. J. Walberg (Eds.) Improving science education (pp. 70-89). Chicago, IL: International Academy of Education.
Hodson, D. (1996). Practical work in school science: exploring some directions for change. International Journal of Science Education, 18(7), 755-760.
Hofstein, A. & Lunetta, V. N. (2004). The laboratory in science education: Foundations for the twenty-first century. Science Education, 88(1), 28-54.
Hofstein, A., Shore, R., & Kipnis, M. (2004). Providing high school chemistry students with opportunities to develop learning skills in an inquiry-type laboratory: A case study. International Journal of Science Education, 26(1), 47-62.
Hume, A. & Coll, R. (2008). Student experiences of carrying out a practical science investigation under direction. International Journal of Science Education, 30(9), 1201- 1228.
Institute for the Promotion of Teaching Science and Technology (IPST). (2010). Available: http://www3.ipst.ac.th/, August 22, 2012.
Jansoon, N., Coll, R. K., & Somsook, E. (2009). Understanding mental model of dilution in Thai students. International Journal of Environmental and Science Education, 4(2), 147-168.
Johnson, D. W. & Johnson, R. T. (2005). Learning groups. In S. A. Wheelan (Ed.), The handbook of group research and practice (pp. 441-461). Thousand Oaks: Sage.
Justi, R. & Gilbert, J.K. (1999). A cause of a historical science teaching: Use of hybrid models. Science Education, 83(2), 163–77.
Justi R. (2003). Teaching and learning chemical kinetics. In J. K. Gilbert, O. D. Jong, D. F. Treagust, & J. H. van Driel (Eds.), Chemical Education: Towards research-based practice (pp. 339-362). Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Kluwer.
Kaplan, R.M., & Saccuzzo, D.P. (2009). Psychological testing: Principles, applications. Singapore: Wadsworth.
Karukstis, K. K., & Van Hecke, G. R. (2000). Chemistry connections: The chemical basis of everyday phenomena. Burlington, MA: Academic Press.
Ketpichainarong, W., Ruenwongsa, P., & Panijpan, B. (2010). Enhanced learning of biotechnology students by an inquiry-based cellulase laboratory. International Journal of Environmental and Science Education, 5(2), 169-187.
Kırık, T.Ö, & Boz, Y. (2012). Cooperative learning instruction for conceptual change in the concepts of chemical kinetics. Chemistry Education Research and Practice, 13(3), 221- 236.
Klainin, S. (1984). The effects of an activity-based curriculum on student outcomes in chemistry in Thailand. Research in Science Education, 14(1), 213-222.
Klopfer, L. E. (1990). Learning scientific enquiry in the student laboratory. In E. HegartyHazel (Ed.) The student laboratory and the science curriculum (pp. 95-117). London: Routledge.
Knaggs, C. M., & Schneider, R. M. (2012). Thinking like a scientist: Using vee-maps to understand process and concepts in science. Research in Science Education, 42(4), 609- 632.
Leach, J. & Scott, P. (2003). Learning science in the classroom: Drawing on individual and social perspectives. Science Education, 12(1), 91-113.
Lazarowitz, R. & Tamir, P. (1994). Research on using laboratory instruction in science. In D. L. Gabel (Ed), Handbook of research on science teaching and learning: A project of the National Science Teachers Association (pp. 94-128). New York: Macmillan.
Merriam, S. B. (1988). Case study research in education: A qualitative approach. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Millar, R. (2010). Practical work. In J. Osbone, & J. Dillon (Eds.), Good practice in science teaching: What research has to say (pp. 108-134). New York: McGraw-Hill Education.
Ministry of Education (MOE). (1990). The curriculum A. D. 1979 (revised A. D. 1990). Bangkok: Ministry of Education.
Ministry of Education (MOE). (1996). Education reform at the ministry of education Thailand. Bangkok: Ministry of Education.
Nakhleh, M. B., Polles, J., & Malina, E. (2003). Learning chemistry in a laboratory environment. In J. K. Gilbert, O. D. Jong, R. Justi, D. F. Treagust, & J. H. Van Driel (Eds.), Chemical education: Towards research-based practice (pp. 69-94). Dordrecht: Kluwer.
National Research Council (NRC). (1996). National science education standards. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.
National Research Council (NRC). (2000). Inquiry and the national science education standards: A guide for teaching and learning. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.
Office of National Education (ONE). (1997). Education in Thailand 1997. Bangkok: Office of the Prime Minister.
Office of the Prime Minister (OPM). (2000). Thailand into the 2000’s. Bangkok: Office of the Prime Minister.
Srisawasdi, N., Kerdcharoen, T., & Suits, J. P. (2008). Turning scientific laboratory research into innovative instructional material for science education: Case studies from practical experience. The International Journal of Learning, 15(5), 201-210.
Sriwattanarothai, N., Jittam, P., Ruenwongsa, P., & Panijpam, B. (2009). From research on local materials to the learning of science: An inquiry-based laboratory for undergraduates. The International Journal of Learning, 16(6), 459-474.
Tamir, P. (1991). Practical work in school science: An analysis of current practice. In B. E. Woolnough (Ed.), Practical science: The role and reality of practical work in school science (pp. 13-20). Buckingham, Open University Press.
Tobin, K.G., & Tippins, D. (1993). Constructivism as a referent for teaching and learning. In K.G. Tobin (Ed., The practice of constructivism in science education, Washington, DC: AAAS Press.
Van, D. (2002). Students’ corpuscular conceptions in the context of chemical equilibrium and chemical kinetics. Chemistry Education: Research and Practice in Europe, 3(2), 201-213.
Wellingtion, J. (1998). Practical work in science: Time for a reappraisal. In J. Wellington (Ed.) Practical work in school science: Which way now? (pp. 3-15). London: Routledge.
Wu, H.-K. & Hsieh, C.-E. (2006). Developing sixth graders’ inquiry skills to construct explanations in inquiry-based learning environments. International Journal of Science Education, 28(11), 1289-1313.

How to cite this article

APA

Chairam, S., Klahan, N., & Coll, R. (2015). Exploring Secondary Students' Understanding of Chemical Kinetics through Inquiry-Based Learning Activities. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 11(5), 937-956. https://doi.org/10.12973/eurasia.2015.1365a

Vancouver

Chairam S, Klahan N, Coll R. Exploring Secondary Students' Understanding of Chemical Kinetics through Inquiry-Based Learning Activities. EURASIA J Math Sci Tech Ed. 2015;11(5):937-56. https://doi.org/10.12973/eurasia.2015.1365a

AMA

Chairam S, Klahan N, Coll R. Exploring Secondary Students' Understanding of Chemical Kinetics through Inquiry-Based Learning Activities. EURASIA J Math Sci Tech Ed. 2015;11(5), 937-956. https://doi.org/10.12973/eurasia.2015.1365a

Chicago

Chairam, Sanoe, Nutsuda Klahan, and Richard Coll. "Exploring Secondary Students' Understanding of Chemical Kinetics through Inquiry-Based Learning Activities". Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education 2015 11 no. 5 (2015): 937-956. https://doi.org/10.12973/eurasia.2015.1365a

Harvard

Chairam, S., Klahan, N., and Coll, R. (2015). Exploring Secondary Students' Understanding of Chemical Kinetics through Inquiry-Based Learning Activities. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 11(5), pp. 937-956. https://doi.org/10.12973/eurasia.2015.1365a

MLA

Chairam, Sanoe et al. "Exploring Secondary Students' Understanding of Chemical Kinetics through Inquiry-Based Learning Activities". Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, vol. 11, no. 5, 2015, pp. 937-956. https://doi.org/10.12973/eurasia.2015.1365a