Cognitive conflict

Researchers from the University of Western Australia, Maree Baddock and Robert Bucat, explored the effectiveness of using cognitive conflict strategy with 66 Year 11 chemistry students.¹ Cognitive conflict arises when students observe an event which is at odds with their current understanding. The students are then encouraged to think about possible explanations and work towards a meaningful understanding of the phenomenon.  

In the three-year project the researchers used information gathered from the teaching of a lesson in one year to help modify the teaching in the following year to enhance students' learning. The researchers used a demonstration which showed the colour of methyl violet indicator in hydrochloric acid of concentrations 1 M, 0.1 M, 0.01 M and 0.001 M and 1 M ethanoic acid.