Computer- assisted instruction (cai) towards effective teaching and learning of nomenclature of cyclic hydrocarbons

Abstract

The study investigated the effect of Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI) towards the effective teaching and learning of nomenclature of cyclic hydrocarbons among KNUST Senior high school students at Kumasi in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The research study adopted an action research design. The sample comprised 45 form 3 General Science 1 students who were selected on purpose. Students were given a questionnaire to examine their prior conception of organic chemistry nomenclature. A week after, a preintervention test was administered to the research sample to determine their academic performance in the nomenclature of cyclic hydrocarbons before intervention activities. Within the 4-week period students learned about cyclic hydrocarbons (cycloalkanes, cycloalkenes and cycloalkynes) through CAI for 2 hours each week. The instruction were videos, pictures, and animations to enhance their learning experience. After four weeks of intervention, students were given a post-intervention test to answer. Afterwards, the scripts were collected and scored to generate data for the post-intervention test. Two different sets of questionnaires were given to students to answer. One questionnaire assessed students' attitudes towards the use of computer-assisted instruction for the teaching and learning of the nomenclature of cyclic hydrocarbons, while the other questionnaire investigated the role of CAI in promoting active learning and enhancing students' engagement in the nomenclature of cyclic hydrocarbons. Data collected from the administration of these tests and questionnaires were organized and used to statistically test the null hypotheses that were formulated prior at a 0.05 significance level. The outcome of the study revealed that after intervention activities, students’ nomenclature showed they followed the IUPAC rules in naming cyclic hydrocarbons and were correctly done. CAI is an effective tool for teaching and learning the nomenclature of cyclic hydrocarbons, as evidenced by improved student conceptual understanding. Students generally have a positive attitude towards using CAI for learning the nomenclature of cyclic hydrocarbons, finding it effective and enjoyable. It is recommended that placing students at the center of the teaching and learning process is essential to actively involve them in the lessons in chemistry and also chemistry teachers should adopt CAI instead of traditional teaching methods when teaching chemistry concepts.