A comparison of chemistry teachers' and grade 11 students' alternative conceptions of 'rate of reaction'

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to compare alternative conceptions of chemistry teachers and Grade 11 students on the subject of 'rate of reaction'. This study was conducted with a total of seventy chemistry teachers and seventy two grade 11 students. To collect data, a 'rate of reaction' concept test comprising 9 lead and 10 sub-questions (in total 19 items) were employed. Also, a structured interview session was conducted with 10 chemistry teachers and 13 grade 11 students. Since the chemistry teachers and grade 11 students possessed similar alternative conceptions, it can be deduced that the chemistry teachers seem to have been principal source at transmitting their alternative conceptions to the grade 11 students. It is recommended that, a common database or website should be created to afford the current chemistry teachers to easily access to improved teaching materials and/or instruments in chemistry education.