Determination of mental models of chemistry teacher candidates on titrations

The aim of this study was to determine the mental models of chemistry teachers candidates about titrations. The research was conducted as a case study. To determine the students' mental models, a data collection tool has been developed by taking into account the titration gains in Analytical Chemistry Course, the studies made in this field and the opinions of experts. This improved data collection tool consists of 19 questions including about titrations subject. The data collection tool developed was administered to 45 students who took the analytical chemistry course at a state university and continued their education in the chemistry teaching program Faculty of Education. In order to elicit the mental models of the students in terms titrations codes were created from the answers given by the students for each question and the students' level of learning were identified. Mental models were defined as the full scientific model, partial scientific model, the basic model and transition model. After the examination of the obtained results, it can be concluded that the students predominantly possess the full scientific model. At the end of the study it can be concluded that the students predominantly scientific understanding about titrations but there are also obvious misconceptions about the subject. In the light of results, it has been proposed that the subject of titrations should be clarified in the laboratory in an applied method and presented in a concrete way using technology supported materials.