Investigating First-Year Chemistry Learning Difficulties in the South Pacific: A Case Study from Fiji |
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Authors: | Richard Kevin Coll Sadaquat Ali John Bonato David Rohindra |
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Institution: | (1) Centre for Science and Technology Education Research, University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hillcrest Road, Hamilton, New Zealand |
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Abstract: | The learning difficulties for new entrant chemistry students from a multi-national, regional, tertiary education institution
in the South Pacific were investigated using a purpose-designed diagnostic instrument. The instrument contained 25 items distributed
across three themes: scientific reasoning, numeracy and scientific language literacy. The research findings suggest that the
main learning difficulty facing these students is in numeracy with students able to interpret numerical data presented in
graphical form and to complete rudimentary numerical calculations, but unable to use numerical data or perform calculations
involving ratios. Targeted remedial tutoring, based on the results of this diagnostic test instrument, rather than content-driven
extra tutorials, are suggested for remediation of learning difficulties. |
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Keywords: | chemistry learning difficulties South Pacific tertiary education |
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