Topic difficulties in ordinary level chemistry

Abstract

Chemistry is seen by certain critics and, by the pupils themselves, as being a difficult subject. By means of a questionnaire, set to all first-year pupils taking Chemistry at the Sixth Form G.F. Abela, certain areas and particular topics have been identified as being accordingly more difficult than others. These included 'Rates' (Kinetics), the 'Mole Concept' and 'Organic Chemistry', with 'Rates' (Kinetics) quoted by the pupils as being the most difficult topic. In order to obtain a more valid opinion regarding those topics found difficult by Maltese pupils, the Form 3 and Form 4 Chemistry scripts for the Annual Examinations of June 1991, were analyzed. It was established that the 'Gas Laws' were the most difficult topic, getting the lowest percentage score of 19.6%, followed by the 'Mole Concept' and 'Nature of Matter'. The topic, 'Atmosphere' showed the highest average of 63.8%. Those factors which are most likely to be contributing to the abovementioned topics' low performances are a lack of practical exposure to the subject and inadequate mathematical background. An overextended syllabus and inferior topic sequencing may also be adversely influencing the overall pupil performance.