Kemahiran visualisasi pada aras mikroskopik dalam topik atom, molekul dan ion

Abstract

Knowledge of chemistry needs to be based on three levels of understanding namely macroscopic, microscopic, and symbol. From previous studies, understanding microscopic level is often a problem for student to becoming competent in chemistry because it involves an understanding of internal and extenal representation. Thus, this study aims to examine (i) the level of students competency in understanding atoms, molecules and ions; (ii) the level of students comprehension of the three basic levels of knowledge; and (iii) the pattern of students’ visualization skills in an understanding of the microscopic level. The Test of Knowledge Level Mastery (UTPAP) was used to determine the level of students’ understanding and face to face interviews was employed to ascertain the patterns of students visualization skills. This study involved 301 form 4 students who sat for chemistry with various achievements in the science subject for PMR 2012. Six students with the highest achievements in UTPAP were chosen for the interview. UTPAP marks were analysed in the form of mean percentage and standard deviation. The data for the interview was analysed using the Interactive Qualitative Data Analysis Model (Miles & Huberman, 1994). Based on the study, the student competency is weak in the topic of atoms, molecules and ions. Studies also showed that the level of students’ competency in the macroscopic level was moderate whereas the students level in microscopic and symbolizing was weak. Alternative framework was also found in the three levels of knowledge. From the analysis of the interview, there are three patterns of visualization skills that was used by the students in understanding of microscopic level which are primary visualization pattern, secondary visualization pattern and tertiery visualization pattern