Alternative Chemical Concept Held by Students of Science Methodology in Palestinian Universities

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating alternative chemical concepts that
are held by students of science methodology in Palestinian universities.
The significance of this study stems from the importance of the topic itself
which has a role in developing students’ ability in learning so as to avoid the
misconceptions that hinder their learning and conceptual development.
This study is also important because it introduces a comprehensive basis
to investigate the alternative concepts in the curricula of general chemistry
in an attempt to save the effort and time of the teachers so as to determine the
stat point in dealing with students.
The community of this study consists of students of science methodology
in Palestinian universities.The number of students was (259) males and
females who registered for General Chemistry in the first semester of the
academic year 2006/ 2007.A random sample consisted of (99) students
from the community was chosen.To obtain the objectives of this study, an
instrument consisted of a multiple choice diagnostic exam was constructed to
investigate the alternative concepts.
The results of the study revealed that students have (22) alternative
concepts.The results also showed the presence of differences of statistical
nature in holding misconceptions.The differences were attributed to the
variables of method and language of instruction.The results also showed that
there are no differences of statistical nature that can be attributed to the
variables of sex and subjects.
In the light of the results, the study recommends investigating students›
alternative concepts within each unit before starting the teaching process as
well as investigating the reasons of the presence of alternative concepts to
assist teachers in adopting appropriate teaching strategies