Pictorial based learning: Promoting conceptual change in chemical kinetics

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effect of pictorial based learning (PcBL) on conceptual change in the topic of chemical kinetics. The four-tier instrument (FTDICK) previously developed was deployed to map conceptual change within chemical kinetics concepts. First-year chemistry students at an Indonesian university formed an experimental and a control group. The experimental group experienced the PcBL approach while the control one experienced direct instruction (DI). The conceptual changes demonstrated by the two groups are classified into four categories, namely complete, partial, false and random. Complete conceptual change (CCC) had the highest occurrence rate among the four categories. However, generalising that PcBL and DI are influential in promoting conceptual change in the field of chemical kinetics may be too ambitious. Therefore, further research is needed to reach that conclusion. The effectiveness of PcBL and DI in promoting conceptual change in this study was almost equal. However, in answering the FTDICK questions, the PcBL students showed a better performance reflecting more sound scientific understanding than DI students did.

Keywords

• pictorial representation
• direct instruction
• four-tier instrument
• misconception