A ‘compound’ of learning impediments: alternative conceptions of the chemical bond
Talk prepared for the Didactics Division of the Italian Chemical Society
School on Education Research and Chemistry Didactics
Hosted from Rome, 4-7 December 2020
Abstract
Chemical bonding is an abstract topic that concerns invisible processes occurring at a scale far removed from direct observation, so there is no mystery that it is an area that many learners find challenging. Research has identified among learners a range of alternative conceptions relating to bonding. Some of the most common ‘misconceptions’ are often linked into an especially seductive conceptual framework. This lecture will discuss some of the most widespread student ideas about bonding, and also consider why these are often held tenaciously even (indeed, sometimes especially) after instruction. The presentation will discuss the likely origins of these conceptions and implications for teaching the topic.
Play a recording* of the talk prepared for the meeting:
- This was prepared in advance to be played in case of connection problems on the day.
