The Effects Of Science Writing Heuristic Approach To Improve Concept Understanding Of Stoichiometry And Attitude Towards Learning Chemistry Among Undergraduate Students
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Date
2018-09
Authors
Kirupanithi N. Pooranavelu
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
This study investigated the use of the science writing heuristic (SWH)
approach on undergraduate university students’ understanding on the topic of
stoichiometry in chemistry and to improve attitude on learning chemistry. SWH
approach is a writing-to-learn strategy that incorporates guided inquiry and
collaborative work. SWH approach was integrated and adapted in the teaching of
stoichiometry in the tutorial classes. There was a total of 78 undergraduate university
students participated in this study. These students were randomly assigned into
experimental (N=36) and control (N=42) groups. For the experimental group (EG)
the lessons on stoichiometry was instructed using SWH, while for the control group
(CG) students the same lessons were instructed using more traditional teacher
centred instruction. A Stoichiometry Concept Test (SCT), Test of Science-Related
Attitude (TOSRA) questionnaire and semi-structured interviews were employed to
collect the data. The quantitative data was analysed using independent sample t-tests.
The outcome of the quantitative data indicated that there was a significant difference
of the EG students understanding as compared to the CG’s understanding (t = 7.78 ;
p˂0.05). The quantitative findings are supported by the qualitative findings from
interviews which indicate an improvement in the students’ understanding of
stoichiometry apparently from the exposure to the SWH approach. The EG also showed a significant difference in improvement of attitude to learning chemistry (t =
4.01; p˂0.05) compared with CG. The responses from the interviews on attitude
toward learning science supported the quantitative findings. This study implies that
SWH approach is one of the viable approach to be used in teaching and learning of
stoichiometry.
Description
Keywords
Heuristic , Stoichiometry