Penyelesaian masalah kuantitatif kimia oleh pelajar-pelajar sekolah menengah atas

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Date
1995-12
Authors
Hoot Eng, Yee
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The aim of the study was to determine the strategies used by Form Five Malaysian school students in solving quantitative chemistry problems. The 'think-aloud' method, a qualitative approach, was used to draw out from these students the strategies that they had used. Forty one science students were asked to solve three chemistry problems involving stoichi~metry. and the mole, and to verbalise their thoughts aloud as they attempted to solve the given problems. The students ยท were then interviewed to obtain further clarification of their strategies. The 'think-aloud' sessions as well as the interviews were audiotaped and these were then transcribed. The analysis showed that the steps used by the students could be classified into four categories. Successful problem-solvers followed a definite sequencing of steps which could be taken as representing a specific strategy that is: (1) identify the chemical reaction involved and write a balanced equation for the reaction (an application of the atomic theory); (2) identify the goal based on the equation; (3) use of the mole concept to find the mole quantities involved; and (4) various mathematical calculations to find the answer. On the other hand, no definite sequencing of steps could be found for the unsuccessful problem-solvers, who however, appeared to follow the strategies recommended for general problem-solving. Further analysis suggests that the role of the chemical equation as well as the teaching of the atomic theory needs to be seriously assessed and emphasised as a means for solving quantitative problems in chemistry.
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