Misconceptions, Reasoning Skills, and Other Failings - A Rationale for Drastic Changes in General Chemistry

Jim Birk

Arizona State University

Misconceptions, Reasoning Skills, and Other Failings - A Rationale for Drastic Changes in General Chemistry

The Problem

Outline

Misconceptions

A Longitudinal Study of Misconceptions

Misconceptions Test

Misconceptions Test

Test of Recall and Conceptual Knowledge

Some Representative Misconceptions

The electrons are closer to the more electronegative element.

Conclusions from Longitudinal Study

Second Study of Misconceptions

Comparison of Misconception Percentages

Conclusions

Scientific Reasoning Skills

PP Presentation

PP Presentation

PP Presentation

PP Presentation

Results of 4-Item Reasoning Test

Course Total Score vs. Reasoning Score

Scientific Reasoning Skills on 12 Item Test

Performance on 12-Item Reasoning Test

Exam Performance and Reasoning Test

Correlations between Exam Performance and Scientific Reasoning Skills for CHM-113

Correlations between Exam Performance and Scientific Reasoning Skills for CHM-113

Visual-Spatial Ability

Rotations Test

Performance on Rotations Test

Exam Performance and Rotations Test

Correlations between Exam Performance and Spatial Ability for CHM-113

Correlations between Exam Performance and Spatial Ability for CHM-113

PP Presentation

Limited Efficacy of Lecture

Limited Efficacy of Lecture

Limited Efficacy of Lecture

The Didactic Approach

Active Learning May be More Effective

Courses Have Too Much Content

Concept Test vs. Number of Topics Taught

Nature of Course Material

Levels of Abstraction in General Chemistry

Levels of Abstraction in General Chemistry

PP Presentation

Working Memory Overload

Course Reforms in Progress

ACEPT

Nature of Reforms

Nature of Reforms

Modify Role of Students in Lecture

Reform Outcomes

Reform Outcomes

Dynamic Visualization in Chemistry (NSF)

PP Presentation

Dynamic Visualization in Chemistry

Dynamic Visualization in Chemistry

Developing New Multimedia Products

Developing New Multimedia Products

Developing New Multimedia Products

Dynamic Visualization in Chemistry

Intercalation Reaction Mechanisms

Intercalation Reaction Mechanisms

Intercalation Reaction Mechanisms

Single Crystal Image

Single Crystal Image

Electron Microscope Image of Partially Intercalated TaS2

Ordered Expansion Model

Electron Microscope Image of Partially Intercalated TaS2

Flexible Layer Model

Acknowledgements

Acknowledgements