Qualitative Aspects of Representational Competence

This study examined the role of multiple
representations of chemical
phenomena, specifically, the temperature pressure
relationship of
ideal
gases, in the problem solving strategies of college
chemistry
students.
Volunteers included students enrolled in a first
semester general
chemistry course at a western university. Two
additional volunteers
from the same university were asked to participate
and serve as
models
of greater sophistication. One was a senior
chemistry major;
another
was a junior science writing major. Volunteers
completed an initial
screening task involving multiple representations of
concentration
and
dilution concepts. Based on the results of this
screening instrument
a
smaller set of subjects were asked to complete a
think aloud session
involving multiple representations of the temperature
pressure
relationship. Data consisted of the written work of
the volunteers
and
transcripts from videotaped think aloud sessions.

Autorentext
Sean P. Madden has taught high school mathematics and science in Denver and Greeley, Colorado for the past nine years. In addition to completing his doctoral degree in chemical education, he has written for the Mathematics Teacher and the Journal of Chemical Education. He and his family enjoy traveling and outdoor sporting activities.

Klappentext
This study examined the role of multiple representations of chemical phenomena, specifically, the temperature pressure relationship of ideal gases, in the problem solving strategies of college chemistry students. Volunteers included students enrolled in a first semester general chemistry course at a western university. Two additional volunteers from the same university were asked to participate and serve as models of greater sophistication. One was a senior chemistry major; another was a junior science writing major. Volunteers completed an initial screening task involving multiple representations of concentration and dilution concepts. Based on the results of this screening instrument a smaller set of subjects were asked to complete a think aloud session involving multiple representations of the temperature pressure relationship. Data consisted of the written work of the volunteers and transcripts from videotaped think aloud sessions.