Analysis of Post-Secondary Instructors' Pedagogical Content Knowledge of Organic Acid-Base Chemistry Using Content Representations

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Analysis of Post-Secondary Instructors' Pedagogical Content Knowledge of Organic Acid-Base Chemistry Using Content Representations
Language: English
Authors: Boothe, J. R. (ORCID 0000-0002-5140-3243), Zotos, E. K. (ORCID 0000-0002-5013-5603), Shultz, G. V. (ORCID 0000-0002-7285-748X)
Source: Chemistry Education Research and Practice. Apr 2023 24(2):577-598.
Availability: Royal Society of Chemistry. Thomas Graham House, Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 0WF, UK. Tel: +44-1223 420066; Fax: +44-1223 423623; e-mail: cerp@rsc.org; Web site: http://www.rsc.org/cerp
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 22
Publication Date: 2023
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: College Faculty, Science Instruction, Pedagogical Content Knowledge, Organic Chemistry, Teaching Assistants, Scientific Concepts, Prior Learning, Teaching Methods, Teacher Attitudes
DOI: 10.1039/d2rp00253a
ISSN: 1756-1108
Abstract: Acid-base chemistry is a foundational concept for organic chemistry, and the complexities in teaching and learning acid-base chemistry are well documented. This study aimed to investigate post-secondary instructors' pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) for teaching acid-base chemistry in an organic chemistry context. Two groups of three graduate teaching assistants and one group of three faculty instructors constructed content representations (CoRes). The three CoRes generated by these groups were qualitatively analyzed and organized into a summary compiled CoRe. Analysis of the compiled CoRe revealed eight major concepts of organic acid-base chemistry as defined by these instructors. Three major concepts were identified as foundational definitions, and five were identified as concepts that build upon these definitions. We arranged all eight concepts into a progression. Analysis of the compiled CoRe also revealed that instructors primarily leverage students' prior knowledge when teaching acid-base chemistry. Our results serve as a reference for organic chemistry instructors and may inform further research on the instruction of organic chemistry.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2023
Accession Number: EJ1373848
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Acid-base chemistry is a foundational concept for organic chemistry, and the complexities in teaching and learning acid-base chemistry are well documented. This study aimed to investigate post-secondary instructors' pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) for teaching acid-base chemistry in an organic chemistry context. Two groups of three graduate teaching assistants and one group of three faculty instructors constructed content representations (CoRes). The three CoRes generated by these groups were qualitatively analyzed and organized into a summary compiled CoRe. Analysis of the compiled CoRe revealed eight major concepts of organic acid-base chemistry as defined by these instructors. Three major concepts were identified as foundational definitions, and five were identified as concepts that build upon these definitions. We arranged all eight concepts into a progression. Analysis of the compiled CoRe also revealed that instructors primarily leverage students' prior knowledge when teaching acid-base chemistry. Our results serve as a reference for organic chemistry instructors and may inform further research on the instruction of organic chemistry.
ISSN:1756-1108
DOI:10.1039/d2rp00253a