JOURNAL OF THE SERBIAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY, vol.83, no.1, pp.121-137, 2018 (SCI-Expanded)
The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of computer simulations enhanced with conceptual change texts (CS-CCT) on first year university students' understanding of chemical equilibrium. A quasi-experimental design and one control group (CG, N = 60) as well as one experimental group (EG, N = 65) were used in the study. While students in CG were taught with traditional methods based on textbooks and blackboard, the EG studied the same unit with CS-CCT. The chemical equilibrium concept test (CECT) was administered as pre-test, post-test and delayed test to collect data. The results indicated that the students' scores in the EG were significantly higher than those in the CG in both post-test and delayed test. It was concluded that CS-CCT may become a more effective way for students to picture in their minds chemical equilibrium and improve their alternative interpretations. Also, such a combination is useful for students to enhance their conceptual understanding.