Teaching tips for chemical kinetics

By Fraser Scott2021-11-04T06:54:00

Beads from an abacus forming molecular shapes

Source: © Gary Waters/Ikon Images

Students’ understanding is mostly assessed through numerical problems. Sometimes performance does not reflect understanding. Here’s why

Recent research has revealed differences in how students approach algorithmic and pictorial problems in chemical kinetics, as well as variations in their performance when solving each type of problem. Students’ understanding of kinetics is mostly assessed through numerical problems, and good performance can sometimes mask poor understanding. This article explains why and gives teachers some useful tips.

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