Mental models of prospective chemistry teachers in stereochemistry (Model mental mahasiswa calon guru tentang stereokimia)

Abstract

This study aimed at: (1) determining the distribution of pre-service chemistry teachers’ mental model in understanding Stereochemistry subject, and (2) identify and describe students’ specific misconceptions and alternative mental models. Subjects were students of Chemistry Education Department, Mathematics and Natural Sciences Faculty UNDIKSHA, who are taking courses in Organic Chemistry III in 2013/2014 academic year. The number of study subjects were 28 students. Data were collected through achievement test formed multiple choice of two levels, consisting the contents and reasons. The data were analyzed descriptively. The results showed, (1) students’ mental model in understanding the subject of stereochemistry were: no concept (20.71%), specific misconceptions (33.04%), alternative mental models (12.50%), and scientifically correct (33.75%); and (2) highest misconceptions (92.86%) occurred in the determination of the configuration (R/S) compounds based on Newman projections, and highest alternative mental models (32.14%) in the depiction of the projection Fischer of stereoisomers that known its absolutly configuration.