Development of mechanistic organic module in enhancing pre-university chemistry students’ problem-solving skills and self-regulated learning

Organic chemistry serves as the foundation for understanding the intricacies of chemical reactions and the synthesis of complex molecules. Despite its fundamental importance, students often struggle with problem-solving skills pertaining to the complex mechanisms of organic reactions. Identifying and resolving the complex mechanisms of organic reactions requires not only a strong understanding of organic chemistry principles but also the ability to apply problem-solving skills effectively. Hence, this study aims to develop a module namely Mechanistic of Organic Module (MOM) in enhancing students’ problem-solving skills and Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) in organic chemistry. This study integrates the mechanistic problem-solving skills that is combined with SRL to implicit the meaningful learning of Organic Reaction Mechanisms (ORM) among students. Adopting a design and developmental research approach, the study comprises three phases: (1) Needs Analysis, (2) Design and Development, and (3) Evaluation. During Phase 1, a needs analysis was conducted through Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and semi-structured interviews with five chemistry teachers and matriculation lecturers. Based on the findings, an organic module focusing on ORM and integrating technological aspects with problem-solving and SRL was deemed necessary. In Phase 2, the elements appropriate for the MOM were determined using Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM). The design phase involved document analysis of STPM and matriculation syllabi and a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) to design FDM questionnaire. Based on the findings in needs analysis, document analysis, and the themes from FGD, the draft module was produced. A panel of 15 experts evaluated the module's elements based on a Fuzzy Linguistic Likert Scale, with consensus determined by the threshold d value and suitability of items. After considering the accepted elements that achieved consensus with the threshold d value ≤0.2 and exceeded 75% on the suitability of items in FDM, the development phase involved developing the prototype module (website and booklet), refining lesson plans and assessment sheets with validation by three experts were carried out. The improvements were implemented based on the experts’ recommendations. In Phase 3, the evaluation assessed the module's usability, incorporating students’ opinion gathered through open-ended questions. The System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire was utilized, yielding a SUS score of 76 (B), indicating excellent user acceptance of the MOM. Additionally, the module was evaluated through a triangulation approach, including observations and document analysis of student assessments. This process, conducted with 25 students, aimed to evaluate their problem-solving skills after engaging with MOM. Thematic analysis indicated that MOM effectively engaged students in problem-solving activities. To evaluate students' SRL practices following the use of MOM, data were collected through semistructured interviews with the top five high-performing students and 25 reflective field notes. The interviews revealed that MOM could motivate students, support personalized learning, encourage social interaction, help students adapt to challenges, and respond to their learning needs for success. Overall, the module was found to enhance problem-solving skills and SRL practices, supporting students' lifelong learning. The implications of this study include the enhancement of problem-solving skills in organic chemistry, enabling students to apply critical thinking and analytical abilities to solve complex problems. These skills are also transferable to other scientific disciplines and real-world contexts. By equipping students with problemsolving and SRL practices, they are prepared to tackle scientific challenges, engage in independent research, and pursue continuous professional development.

Text FPP 2024 42 Declaration form.pdf Restricted to Repository staff only Download (928kB) Text FPP 2024 42 fulltext.pdf Restricted to Repository staff only Download (12MB) Text 125445 fulltext.pdf Download (1MB) Official URL or Download Paper: https://ethesis.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/18884

Actions (login required)

View Item