Description and Preliminary Evaluation of a Program for Improving Chemistry Learning in High School Students

Abstract

High school students have had some difficulties in understanding chemistry due to traditional ways of teaching this specific science. It is important to improve teaching methods that increase student motivation, not only to enhance their capacity for understanding, but also to generate a greater level of interest in the study of chemistry for their future professional life. Current technologies such as the virtual campus, which complements theory classes with class laboratories, help students feel better trained and more confident about scientific world. This improvement was reflected on the SABER 11° test results in chemistry made up by the Colombian Institute for Educational Evaluation (ICFES in Spanish), which were applied to the students of the leveling program “National Academic Talent Plan” (PNAT). This study found a positive effect when comparing pre-test and post-test scores (effect size of 0.61, moderate difference), and it was also observed an increase in the number of students placed at the medium standard and medium high range. This paper presents a description and preliminary evaluation that can be used for teaching chemistry to high school students, along with the results on standardized tests for students participating in the equalization program that applied the methods noted.