The Effect of an individualized laboratory approach through microscale chemistry experimentation on students' understanding of chemistry concept

Abstract

The main goal of this study was to investigate whether the use of an individualized approach through microscale chemistry experiments in secondary schools can increase students' understanding of chemistry concepts. Microscale chemistry is an alternative approach to overcome problems associated with practical work since it provides hands-on activities and personal experiences for students. For the purpose of this study, ten microscale experiments have been developed for Form Four students based on the topics of electrochemistry and acid and bases (Abdullah et al., 2005). Most of the experiments were designed for use with the Microchemistry Kit (Centre for research and development in mathematics, science and technology education (RADMASTE), South Africa) which is basically made up of plastic ware and also small volume glassware as suggested for the Microchemistry Equipment Kit (National Microscale Chemistry Center, USA). In this study. a 'quasi-experimental pre test-post test control group design' was used. The study was conducted with 170 Form Four students from two schools; 83 in the experimental group and 87 in the control group. Both schools are categorized as urban day schools and the average age of students involved in this study was 16 years old. The students in the experimental group were from three intact classes in one school while the control group were from three intact classes in another school. The experimental group were exposed to hands-on practical activities and ideas on pollution-prevention through microscale experimentation whereas the control group carried out traditional experiments. Pre and post tests were conducted before and after the treatment for both groups. A chemistry concept test were administered to evaluate the effectiveness of microscale chemistry experiments. The concept test in this study consisted of 25 multiple-choice and two structured questions based on the Form Four chemistry syllabus.