PROSPECTIVE CHEMISTRY TEACHERS’ ABILITIES OF CREATING CONCEPT MAPS: HYDROCARBONS EXAMPLE

Abstract

Concept maps are effective tools for showing the relations between the concepts and they can be used to make clear the relations between the abstract concepts such as hydrocarbons topic. The aim of this research is to determine the abilities of prospective chemistry teachers’ (PCTs) creating concept maps about hydrocarbons. In this research , case study was used and the study was carried out in a university in North Coast of Turkey with 25 PCTs (aged 20-27). PCTs were taught how to create concept maps, types of concept maps such as hierarchical, non- hierarchical and chain or spoke concept maps through example concept maps. In this research context, PCTs were given a text about hydrocarbons and they were supposed to prepare their own concept maps about hydrocarbons. Their concept maps were evaluated according to the reference concept map which was prepared by the researchers. At the end of the research, it is seen that PCTs had difficulty in constructing concept maps. According to the conclusions drawn from the research, some suggestions were offered. Key words: concept maps, conceptual learning, hydrocarbons, organic chemistry, prospective chemistry teachers.