Chemical education problem solving

Nurrenbem, S. C., Piekering, M. (1987). Conceptual learning versus problem solving is there a difference JoMtTta/ of Chemical Education, 64(6), 508-510. 

Sanger, M. J., Campbell, E., Felker, J., Spencer, C. (2007). Concept learning versus problem solving Does particle motion have an eSectl Journal of Chemical Education, 84(5), 875-879. 

There is, of course, much more to chemistry than solving mathematical problems. Many of the problems presented in the textbook and solved here are of a qualitative nature. These problems involve correctly defining terms, explaining chemical phenomena, predicting the products of chemical and nuclear reactions, representing chemical entities through names, formulas, sketches and so on. Don t forget to work on this aspect of your chemical education as well. 

As an example of a more complex problem, consider one used by Johnstone ( ) in an article discussing problem-solving published last year in the Journal of Chemical Education "What volume of 1.0 M hydrochloric acid would react with exactly 10.0 g of chalk ... 

Bodner, G. M. Herron, J. D. Problem solving in chemistry. In J. K. Gilbert (Ed.) Chemical education Research-based practice. Dordrecht Kluwer Academic Publishers, 2002. 

The popularity of problem-solving computer programs had been low, and thus also the general acceptance of such computer programs has been slugish. With the availability of low-cost/high-power PCs and new chemical software for these machines, the use of computers in chemical research and education will, finally, take off. 

At the same time, the question has been raised whether the current graduate education of chemical engineers is too scientific and not oriented enough toward problem solving and innovation at an industrial level. I believe it is, not because I have any doubt whatever about the importance of basic scientific studies, but because these studies can only have any industrial impact if there exists in industry a sufficiently large number of highly skilled,... 

Myers, R. L. Identifying Bottled Water A Problem-Solving Exercise in Chemical Identification, J. Chem. Educ. 1998, 75, 1585-1587. 

Much of your life, both personal and professional, will involve problem solving. Most likely, the more creative you are at solving problems, the more effective and successful you will be. Chemists are usually excellent problem solvers because they get a lot of practice. Chemical problems are frequently very complicated—there is usually no neat and tidy solution. Often it is difficult to know where to begin. In response to this dilemma, a chemist makes an educated guess (formulates a hypothesis) and then tests it to see if the proposed solution correctly predicts the observed behavior of the system. This process of trial and error is virtually a way of life for a chemist. Chemists rarely solve a complex problem in a straightforward, elegant manner. More commonly, they poke and prod the problem and make progress only in fits and starts. 

Inspite of the enthusiasm for designing stages in problem solving, there is hardly any impact an chemical education. 

T. Z.Fahidy, Solving Chemical Kinetics Problems by the Markov-Chain Approach, Chemical Engineering Education, 27,42-43(1993). 

Polymath is unique in that the problems are entered just like their mathematical equations, and there is a minimal learning curve. Problem solutions are easily found with robust algorithms. This allows very convenient problem solving to be used in chemical reaction engineering and other areas of chemical engineering, leading to an enhanced educational experience for students. 

Lythcott, J. (1990). Problem solving and requisite knowledge of chemistry. Journal of Chemical Education, 67(3), 248-252. 

Asieba, F.O. Egbugara, O.U. (1993). Evaluation of pupils chemical problemsolving skills using a problem-solving model. Journal of Chemical Education, 70, 38-39. 

Bodner, G.M. (1987). The role of algorithms in teaching problem-solving. Journal of Chemical Education, 64, 513-514... 

Fasching, J.L., Erickson, B.L. (1985). Group discussions in the chemistry classroom and the problem-solving skills of students. Journal of Chemical Education, 62, 842-848. 

---