| Summary: | 碩士 === 臺北市立師範學院 === 科學教育研究所 === 92 === This study aimed to investigate the types and sources of misconceptions about aqueous solution held by pupils at an elementary school. The purposes were:
1) To develop a suitable instrument related to misconceptions on aqueous solution among the 4th and 6th-graders.
2) To investigate the differences of the misconceptions on aqueous solution held by 4th and 6th-graders.
3) To investigate the differences of the misconceptions on aqueous solution held by different genders.
4) To investigate the types and sources of the misconceptions on aqueous solution held by elementary pupils.
5) To investigate the influences of the content of the textbooks and teaching materials used in the science subject on the misconceptions on aqueous solution held by elementary pupils.
The goal of the initial stage of the study was to develop a three-tier diagnostic instrument (TTDI) of computerized aqueous solution concepts. A total of 341 fourth and sixth grade pupils who were selected randomly from six classes at an elementary school in Taipei were tested. The purpose of TTDI was to examine the misconceptions about aqueous solution held by the elementary school pupils.
Phase II: Based on the data collected in phase I, there were two sets of pupils selected from each class with a total number of 160. By analyzing the textbooks and group interviews, researchers further investigated the types, modes, and causes of the misconceptions about aqueous solution held by elementary school pupils.
The result were:
1) The method of the TTDI with the application of computers was developed in this study. The TTDI has been reviewed and suggested by two experienced science education experts and four senior teachers, has been proven to be scientifically logical and effective. The test of TTDI also ensured the benefits of minimizing the interferences among the questions, enhancing participation, reducing costs, and saving valuable resources.
2) Based on the data analysis using T-test, there were significant differences between the 4th grade and the 6th grade pupils on the correct percentage of the questionnaire toward the aqueous solution concepts.
3) Gender played an important role in these tests. Female pupils scored significantly higher than their male peers. Judging by the average score, the effect of gender was not only found in the 6th grades, but is also is true with the 4th grades.
4) Through tests and interviews, the researcher categorized the misconceptions of aqueous solution into eight types and attributed its causes to the following.
a. Reliance on the direct and subjective observation.
b. Lack of scientific knowledge.
c. Confusion caused by similar terminologies or concepts.
d. Experiences derived from daily life.
e. Language barrier.
f. Influence of the multimedia.
g. Misleading by the instructors.
h. Influence of the textbooks.
5) From the extensive interviews with the pupils, we found that the misconceptions of the pupils may be also derived from the obscure contents and pictures in the textbooks.
From the findings of this study, the researcher recommended textbook authors and elementary science teachers to have an extensive understanding of the misconceptions about aqueous solution among the elementary school pupils before preparing the teaching materials or giving out instructions. Then they can better help the elementary school pupils learn the concepts and gain knowledge of aqueous solution.
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