Students’ Understanding of Conservation of Matter, Stoichiometry and Balancing Equations in Indonesia

Abstract

This study examines Indonesian students’ understanding of conservation of matter, balancing of equations and stoichiometry. Eight hundred and sixty‐seven Grade 12 students from 22 schools across four different cities in two developed provinces in Indonesia participated in the study. Nineteen teachers also participated in order to validate the 25‐question survey used with all students. Significant differences in student success in answering specific questions occurred when comparing high‐achievement and low‐achievement schools. However, in general, student understanding of this fundamental principle in chemistry was low. The study found that the average score for all students on the survey was 41%. The findings suggest that students are most successful in solving problems used by teachers and textbooks that are algorithmic‐based (i.e., stoichiometry). As there were no strong positive correlations between student performance on conceptual questions and algorithmic questions, we suggest that further research should focus on teaching practices and curricula that support the development of the students’ conceptual understanding.

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by IAIN Indonesia Social Equity Project (cooperation project between McGill University and IAIN), the National Science Foundation (ESI‐9452767 and ESI‐9730469), and with thanks to Philip Sadler and Bruce Ward for their feedback. Both authors extend their deep appreciation to all the teachers and colleagues, especially Iin Indriyati, Muhammad Isnaini, and Agus Susanto, for their assistance in meeting the logistical challenges of this project.