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Asia-Pacific Forum on Science Learning and Teaching, Volume 17, Issue 1, Article 8 (Jun., 2016) |
Form four students’ misconceptions in electrolysis of molten compounds and aqueous solutions
Anita Yung Li BONG and Tien Tien LEE
Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Sultan Idris Education University, 35900 Tanjong Malim, Perak, MALAYSIA
E-mail: lee.tt@fsmt.upsi.edu.my
Received 16 Jan., 2016
Revised 6 Jun., 2016
Contents
The purpose of this study is to identify the Form Four students’ misconceptions in the electrolysis of molten compounds and aqueous solutions. The respondents were 60 Form Four students from two secondary schools in Sibu, Sarawak. The two instruments used in this study were an open-ended electrochemistry assessment and interview protocol. This study involved both quantitative and qualitative approaches. For the quantitative design, the percentage of the students’ misconception in the open-ended electrochemistry assessment was calculated while for the qualitative design, the factors which contributed to the students’ misconceptions were identified through interviews. The result from this study showed that respondents were having misconceptions in identifying the anode and cathode, analysing the reaction in the electrolysis of molten compounds and aqueous solutions, and writing chemical equations. Lack of basic knowledge in electrochemistry, language obstacles, and applying rote learning was identified as factors contributing to the students’ misconceptions in learning electrochemistry.
Keywords: misconception, electrolysis, molten compounds, aqueous solutions
