Abstract:
The study tried to improve on students’ conceptions in an introductory
chemistry course, Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry, through the
constructivists’ instruction. This was effected through micro practical
activities to see how it enhanced pre-service chemistry teachers’ conceptual
understanding.
Data were collected from 48 pre-service chemistry teachers at the University
of Education, Winneba in Ghana by means of a concept test, students’
responses in class and class work as well as a semi-structured interview.
Results showed that pre-service teachers had some alternative conceptions
about chemistry topics. A constructivists’ instructional strategy was used to
help teacher trainees to reconstruct their concepts of many scientific
phenomena.
Keywords: Conceptual understanding, alternative concepts, microchemistry
equipment.
