Understanding the Rate of Acid Reactions: Comparison Between Pre-Service Teachers and Grade 10 Students

Abstract

A two-tier multiple choice diagnostic instrument on the stoichiometry and rate of acid reactions was administered to 611 Grade 10 students and 171 pre-service teachers. The results showed that the Grade 10 students and preservice teachers held alternative conceptions related to the properties of different acids affecting their rates of reaction, and the particles in the resulting mixtures at the end of the reactions. The study stresses the importance of identifying and clarifying the pre-service teachers' understanding of the concepts that they will teach as this may have consequences on their future students' learning of chemistry.