Chemical education context-based approaches

Bennett, J., Holman, J. (2002). Context-based approaches to the teaching of chemistry What are they and what are their effects In J. K. Gilbert, O. De Jong, R. Justi, D. F. Treagust, J. H. Van Driel (Eds.), Chemical education Towards research-based practice (pp. 165-184). Dordrecht, the Netherlands Kluwer Aeademie Press. 

One striking common feature of the chapters in this section is the lack of sound research in almost all the areas that are addressed. Apart from several evaluative studies of some context-based approaches to teaching chemistry, discussed in Chapter 8, it appears that there is currently hardly any research in the informal chemical education and in the role of chemistry in vocational education. Given the problematic status of chemical education in all these areas, mentioned above, one can only conclude that the development of new designs for chemical curricula, in close relation to research activities, should be given the highest priority by policy makers, (associations of) teachers and educators, and educational researchers. 

Ramsden, J.M. (1997). How does a context-based approach influence understanding of key chemical ideas at 16-I- International Journal of Science Education, 19 (6), 697-710. 

Gutwill-Wise, J. P. (2001) The impact of active and context-based learning in introductory chemistry courses An early evaluation of the modular approach. Journal of Chemical Education 78,684. 

This committee advised the installation of a second committee that should propose a renewal of chemistry education in the Netherlands. This committee reported in 2003 [4] a context - concept-based approach for chemistry education. Contexts are to be used as a bridge between the material world and chemical concepts. The committee stressed the role of the teachers as designers of education. The new curriculum is to be developed in small networks of teachers. The committee advised the installation of a steering committee aimed at the development of a new chemistry curriculum. 

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