Chemical Education Journal (CEJ), Vol. 5, No. 2 /Registration No. 5-25/Received August 28, 2001.
URL = http://www.juen.ac.jp/scien/cssj/cejrnlE.html

The Role of Computers in Teaching Chemistry Problem Solving

Rowan Hollingworth

Chemistry, University of New England
Presented at: World Chemistry Congress, Brisbane July 2001

E-Mail: rholling@metz.une.edu.au

Abstract: What do we mean by problem solving in chemistry? How can we teach problem solving most effectively? What role can computers play in teaching problem solving? There is a vast literature on problem solving in the sciences, which is a largely untapped resource. At the introductory levels, typical problems are usually routine applications of formulae rather than real-life, ill-structured or ill-defined problems. It is usually assumed that students will reach conceptual understanding just through sufficient practice it problem solving. Research indicates that it is the strategic use, rather than the mere possession of knowledge that improves understanding and learning. Instructional programs in problem solving, which make processes explicit and, which teach a range of strategies, have shown to be moderately successful at the very least. Students need to be made aware of the benefits of strategies, see them modelled and have the opportunity to practice them over a period of time to develop their problem solving skills. They can benefit by being given the opportunity to develop their metacognitive awareness and skills. Ways in which computers and ICT are being used in chemistry problem solving are reviewed and details are presented of an on-line tutorial we have developed for enhancing the problem solving skills of first year science students.


Body of the paper

Past and/or current practice?
Problem solving

Experts & Novices
Cognitive Approaches
Metacognitive Approaches

Chemistry problem solving websites
Publishers’ websites
Intelligent tutors

Students at the University of New England
The on-line tutorial, metAHEAD
Student comments about metAHEAD
Future development of metAHEAD

 


CEJv5n2CEJ Vol. 5, No. 2, Contents