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PUBLICATION INFORMATION

TITLE OF PUBLICATION
PRACTICALLY ORIENTED EXPERIMENTALLY-LOGICAL PROBLEMS IN CHEMISTRY LABORATORY EXERCISES IN 9TH GRADE
NAME OF AUTHOR(S)
Maya Ganeva
NAME OF PUBLISHER
Sofia University
YEAR OF PUBLICATION
2013
LANGUAGE OF PUBLICATION
Bulgarian
PUBLICATION TYPOLOGY
Conference Article
TARGET GROUP OF PUBLICATION
Young People, Researchers, Teachers
SIZE OF THE PUBLICATION
3 – 10 pages
DESCRIPTION OF CONTENTS
Ignoring the scientific research approach in natural sciences leads to rote memorization without any possibility of application in everyday life. This in turn leads to students' low motivation and lack of their interest in natural sciences. The article describes the experience of a chemistry teacher in using practically oriented problems which help to build skills for work with substances, also for selection of substances in everyday life. The author presents some experiments which may provoke students' interest. Special attention is paid to substances' impact on environment and human body.
The developed and implemented pedagogical model is based on the idea that it is necessary to follow the path from theoretical knowledge to its application in different situations. In this case the experiment aims at memorizing and solidifying material studied. Practicums are suitable because they allow for bigger groups of elements and compound classes to be covered and things are considered and applied in an interconnection. This form of organization gives very good opportunities for work on experimentally-logical problems with research character which leads to more lasting knowledge and skills of students. At these classes they are more focused. They express opinions, suggestions and construct scientific hypotheses. They actively participate in tuition and this leads to sustainable knowledge.
The nine experiments included have a practical implementation and guide students to reconsider the sense of each of the described operations and to solidify the material studied. A part of the experiments presented are selected from the curriculum content and are supplemented with others, also useful and interesting to students. They help to build skills for work with substances, also for selection of substances in everyday life. They cultivate responsible attitude for selection of food, detergents, mineral water, alcohol consumption, use of synthetic fibers and plastic.
All developed problems give the students options for additional work on a topic selected by them and its presentation through posters, papers etc.
A survey among 22 students was conducted in order to research their attitude towards laboratory work implemented. The survey consists of five questions which give information about the attitude and way of perception of the implemented laboratory work: how useful was the laboratory work training – very useful (11), useful (8); How do you memorize the curriculum content easier – through explanation, Through explanation and illustration, Through explanation and experiment (18); Does laboratory work motivate you to search for information – yes (20). Most of the students have discovered experiments which can be used in everyday life.
The achievement of scientific literacy of students stands out as primary objective and tendency in natural sciences training in the compulsory stage of school education. The quality of educational plans and programs is crucial for the successful implementation of this objective in terms of their volume and content, as well as the leading role of teachers for the formation of scientific literacy of students.
According to the author, it is necessary to increase the knowledge of practical application and importance of substances and the share of experimental work implemented in current school programs. Natural sciences are experimental sciences, that is why laboratory work is an integral part of school education.
WHERE TO FIND IT
“Continuing education”, N 31 , January- March 2013, pp 505 – 515 (ISSN 1312-899Х)
NAME OF THE REVIEWING ORGANISATION
Technical University of Gabrovo

Comments about this Publication

Your comments are welcome


Date: 2013.12.19

Posted by Lucie Pieckova (Czech Republic)

Message: The author describes a successful experience with chemistry laboratory exercises in 9th grade. The paper deals with problematics of memoratization without any possibility of application in every day life. This is also serious problem in the Czech republic. Article shows that work on experimentally-logical problems with research character leads to more lasting knowledges and motivation for chemistry. Experiments focused on every day life topics helps to build skills for work with substances.
It would be beneficial to involve laboratory exercies in 9th grade in the Czech republic too but more financial support and more teaching time for chemistry education is needed.
The author does not discuss implementation of the ICTs. ICTs could be included too, but it is not neccessary. Main goal of this article is to highlight the importance of experiments in chemistry teaching. I agree with this opinion and I find the article as a very useful source of inspiration for chemistry teachers.

National Reports on successful experiences to promote lifelong learning for chemistry The national reports on chemistry successful experiences to promote lifelong learning for chemistry are now available on the related section of the project portal. The reports presents examples of successful experiences in the partner countries and the results of testing of ICT resources with science teachers.

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