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Can I read the chemistry without being overloaded by the mathematics?. Can I read the chemistry without being overloaded by the mathematics ?. Glennys O’Brien School of Chemistry, University of Wollongong Simon B Bedford School of Chemistry, University of Wollongong. Where we are going.
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Can I read the chemistry without being overloaded by the mathematics? Can I read the chemistry without being overloaded by the mathematics? GlennysO’BrienSchool of Chemistry, University of Wollongong Simon B BedfordSchool of Chemistry, University of Wollongong
Where we are going • Examples of student work • Problem solving • Concepts and Abstractions • Cognitive overload • Predicting success • Support / interventions
Abs = e b c Student HS Background HSC Gen Maths 85 HSC Chem None ATAR 85 Final CHEM101 marks: 61 PASS
Student HS Background HSC Gen Maths 84 HSC Chem None ATAR 88 CHEM101: 59 PASS
Student HS Background HSC Maths None HSC Chem None ATAR 76 CHEM101: did not complete
Student HS Background HSC 2U Maths 79 HSC Chem None ATAR 85 CHEM101: 81 Distinction
Problem solving: what you do when you do not know what to do chemical scenario reattempt (i) interpret into chemical scenario mathematical relationship (iv) (ii) (iii) calculation to answer mathematical manipulation
AbstractConcepts: • D • DG < 0 • -ve signs • Temperature effects • Units • S = k ln W • Abstraction of chemistry • Abstraction of mathematics • DG = DH - T DS
Oh, my brain is full 01225386143 610242213294 +61 (02) 4221 3294 12 to 4 = Chunking
A more relevant example! Para or 4-
A more relevant example! You see 3 chunks, they see multiple chunks Student working memory overload!
Cognitive overload • Long term memory allows capacity to be expanded by use of schemas or chunking • Intrinsic cognitive load due to interactivity of different elements • Extraneous cognitive load due to activity that interferes with learning • Affective cognitive load helps learning and enhances motivation
Overloading the working memory • Too many points to include • Start simple and chunk but • Not enough practice to achieve chunking • Still overloaded • Outcomes poor
Student driven change • Motivation and self efficacy • Learning occurs at the point of need • Learning occurs at the perceived point of need
Factors affecting student success in CHEM101 • 2010 cohort • Regression model developed in a project undertaken by summer session Maths / stats student • Comparisons limited to Pass / Fail • Most significant factor is HSC Mathematics mark • then HSC Chemistry mark • then ATAR • Beyond prediction what may this result tell us? Why does coping with mathematics help? Reference: http://eis.uow.edu.au/smas/maths-teachers-day/ssLINK/1515/UOW127144
Interventions: • Concept development and problem solving in workshops • 2011 spread available skills through groups • 2012-2013 streamed groups and workshops • 2014 streamed subjects CHEM101 or CHEM104 • 2014 specific series of lectures called QS for non HSC Chem students in CHEM104