Development, application and evaluation of an active learning material based on constructivism related to "reaction rates and chemical equilibrium" subject in chemistry lesson

In presented study, investigating the effects of active learning material, which was prepared based on the constructivism related to Reaction Rates and Chemical Equilibrium Unit in Chemistry Lesson Curriculum, on the academic achievements of 11th grade students that take Chemistry Lesson, the effects on preventing the formation of misconceptions in them, its impact on their attitudes to Chemistry Lesson and progress of their scientific process skills and also the effects of the application process on the ideas of students about active learning is aimed. Within the first phase of study, pilot application has been performed by developing an active learning material based on constructivism and directed towards the Reaction Rates and Chemical Equilibrium Unit by taking the data in literature, specified misconceptions during the study and learning difficulties into account. The main execution of active learning material of which its validity and reliability were defined, has been completed with 11th grade students that study in Izmir Türk Private High School. Reaction Rates and Chemical Equilibrium Unit Readiness Test was applied on the sample group in study so as to specify the knowledge of subjects and concepts which both form a basis for learning Reaction Rates and Chemical Equilibrium Unit. After that, the lack of knowledge and some misconceptions of students were treated with pre courses and individual studies. Two different 11thclasses from Izmir Turkish Private High School, that show no significant difference regarding to the readiness, scientific process skills and attitudes, were specifiedrandomly; one as control group and experimental as the other. In experimental group, learning the unit was done with guide material that consisted of active learning activities based on constructivism, whereas in control group it was done by processing the existing programme in a teacher centered way. In both groups, teaching has been completed within eight weeks period by the same teacher. xivAfter the executions, the results of Reactions Rates and Chemical Equilibrium Unit Achievement Test, which was applied on both groups, show that a significant difference between experimental and control groups has occurred related to the academic achievements about the unit. According to the results of Attitude Towards Chemistry Lesson Survey, that was applied on both groups, experimental group students have higher averages of marks in significant level compared to the control group, where this situation points out the attitudes of students towards Chemistry Lesson rise in a positive manner with active learning applications. From the results of Active Learning Process Evaluation Survey which was applied on the experimental group in the last hours of first, third, fifth and eighth weeks of active learning application process, it was determined that the positive thoughts of students about active learning has risen up as the application proceeded. The results of Scientific Process Skills Test, which was applied on students in experimental and control groups as final test, shows that there is a significant increment in scientific process skills of experimental group students compared to the skills theyhad before application; whereas in control group students there is no significant difference. By taking all application process and results into consideration, it was concluded that the guide material, which was prepared based on constructivism and includes active learning activities, has positive effects on academic achievements and scientific process skills of students and their attitudes towards Chemistry Lesson.Similar applications should be expanded in order to bring up incredulous individualsby decreasing misconceptions in Chemistry Lessons. Keywords: Active Learning, Constructive Approach, Reaction Rates and Chemical Equilibrium, Misconceptions in Chemistry, Attitude Towards Chemistry Lesson