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dc.contributor.authorChittleborough, Glen
dc.contributor.supervisorProfessor David Treagust
dc.date.accessioned2017-01-30T09:48:32Z
dc.date.available2017-01-30T09:48:32Z
dc.date.created2008-05-14T04:36:14Z
dc.date.issued1998
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/316
dc.description.abstract

A new one-semester tertiary bridging course in chemistry was designed with constructivist concept-learning as a major aim. This aim was monitored by Concept Learning Test Sequences (CLTSs), developed for each of ten fundamental chemical concept-clusters, selected from ten theory-practical work-units of an expressly written book. The concept-clusters were: density, mixture/compound, structure/bonding, base/salt, redox, mole, rate, metal, halogen, hydrocarbon. Each CLTS comprised a pre-instruction item; two-tier multiple-choice item(s); a post-instruction item; each provided data from a class of 21 students of widely different backgrounds. Separate chapters discuss class results and individual results.Concept-learning Improvement Categories that estimated individual improvement in each CLTS were quantified by assigning numerical values. Summation of these numerical values for all ten CLTSs produced individual Concept-learning Improvement Indices (CLIIs). Improvement in concept-learning appears independent of prior academic background. Rankings by CLIIs and by final assessment percentage were strongly correlated. The mean CLII for the class assessed concept-learning improvement (per concept) at Moderate-to-Intermediate.Various probes revealed that factors which influenced learning included: pre-laboratory reports; practical work; learning partnership(s); positive personal qualities; mathematical skills; confidence; visualisation; integration of theoretical and practical studies; bench problem-solving; a relaxed tutorial atmosphere; historical approaches to chemical concepts. Students assessed the course overall as 'good'.

dc.languageen
dc.publisherCurtin University
dc.subjectconstructivist concept-learning
dc.subjectbridging course
dc.subjecttertiary education
dc.subjectchemistry education
dc.titleAn evaluation of student learning during a tertiary bridging course in chemistry.
dc.typeThesis
dcterms.educationLevelPhD
curtin.thesisTypeTraditional thesis
curtin.departmentScience and Mathematics Education Centre
curtin.identifier.adtidadt-WCU20020701.130109
curtin.accessStatusOpen access


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