Determination of Preservice Chemistry Teachers' Understanding of Solubility Concept at Submicroscopic Level by Drawings

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the level of teacher candidates' comprehension of chemical representations of solubility and the subject of solubility by particulate drawings. In the study, 36 chemistry teacher candidates who were studying in 3rd and 4th grade of Chemistry Teacher Education Program at Van Yuzuncu Yil University and Gazi University were selected as sample group. In addition, the case study, a qualitative research method, was determined as the research design in order to examine thoroughly the level of chemistry teacher candidates' comprehension of solubility. In the study, the data were collected by using a test that included particulate drawings with explanation about the solubility and the factors affecting it. By analyzing the data obtained from the test by content analysis method, answers of teacher candidates and their particulate drawings were evaluated as correct, partially correct and incorrect answer / drawing. Findings have shown that teacher candidates were insufficient in the level of understanding of the submicroscopic level. It has also been found that teacher candidates have difficulty in demonstrating molecules, ions, or particles at the submicroscopic level of solubility and the influencing factors.