Learning to teach chemical bonding: a framework for preservice teacher educators

Abstract

Chemical bonding is an important topic which is difficult to teach well, especially for novices. This study set out to support preservice teacher educators by developing of a framework for...

A meta-analysis of effectiveness of chemical bonding-based intervention studies in improving academic performance

“…Chemical bonding is a concept that differentiates chemistry from other science disciplines (e.g., physics) (Constable and Housecroft, 2020). Thus, it plays a significant role across chemistry curricula at K-12 and university levels (Bergqvist et al, 2016;Hunter et al, 2022;van Dulmen et al, 2023). Students need to understand the concept to draw inferences about structure, function, relationships and properties of matter.…”

“…However, previous studies have reported that students have difficulties understanding the concept of chemical bonding or hold superficial understanding of this topic because of its abstract nature (O ¨zmen, 2004;U ¨nal et al, 2006;Nahum et al, 2010;Hunter et al, 2022;van Dulmen et al, 2023). Moreover, the concept also includes other complex concepts such as covalent bonds, molecules, ions, giant lattices, and hydrogen bonds that necessitate using the interplay amongst macroscopic, submicroscopic and symbolic aspects of chemistry/science (U ¨nal et al, 2006).…”

“…The adverse effect(s) of singular and simplistic approaches on students' conceptual understanding and alternative conceptions of chemical bonding makes teaching chemical bonding difficult (Nahum et al, 2007;van Dulmen et al, 2023). Thus, teachers need to challenge these adverse effects, difficulties and alternative conceptions to enrich their science teaching of chemical bonding and enhance student understanding of chemical bonding (U ¨nal et al, 2006).…”

“…Studies report that the traditional approach to teaching bonding is problematic and often result in misconceptions (O ¨zmen, 2004;U ¨nal et al, 2006;Nahum et al, 2010;Hunter et al, 2022;van Dulmen et al, 2023). What is more, it directs students to memorize key phrases and facts instead of developing a deeper conceptual understanding of the topic (Nahum et al, 2010;Hunter et al, 2022).…”

“…Therefore, chemistry educators have attempted to develop more effective, pedagogically and scientifically sound strategies to teach the concepts of chemical bonding (Teichert and Stacy, 2002;Nahum et al, 2010). Notably, intervention studies have also tested varied methods, strategies, models, and approaches to enable students to grasp a deep conceptual understanding of chemical bonding (O ¨zmen, 2004;U ¨nal et al, 2006;Nahum et al, 2010;Hunter et al, 2022;van Dulmen et al, 2023). Examples of these interventions include computer-assisted instruction, concept maps, conceptual change, constructivist learning environments, cooperative learning, enriched learning environments with different methods, inquiry-based learning, multiple representations, context-based learning, and problem-based learning.…”