Analysis of pre-service chemistry teachers' mental models related to chemical reactions

The aim of the present study is to investigate pre-service chemistry teachers' mental models related to chemical reactions through semi-structured interviews and evaluate the findings. To this end, the case study method, a qualitative method was employed. Content analysis, which is specifically used in observation and interviews was adopted in the analysis of the data collected. Data were collected through an interview form which had 6 main headings, 21 objectives and 44 questions on chemical reactions. The participants comprised pre-service teachers (N=9) studying chemistry teaching at Gazi University. On the basis of data collected by means of semi-structured interview, the participants' views on chemical reactions and cognitive models were examined. The selected models were compared with the scientific models approved by scientists in order to understand whether they comply with the scientific model and the ones which were similar to that of the participants were grouped. The results revealed that the participants' mental models of chemical reactions were appropriate to scientific models while some models which complex and inappropriate to scientific models. It was determined that participants' formation of preliminary concepts and ability to do formal modeling was effective over the emergence of different mental models.