Why do students follow recipes and resort to rote memory?

CHED 748

Ram S. Lamba, rlamba@cayey.upr.edu, Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico at Cayey, Cayey, PR 00736
In most institutions chemistry is taught in a lecture mode. The laboratory component is conducted to verify principles with known outcomes. As a result, learning chemistry is perceived as memorizing facts and following recipes. This presentation describes the principle theories of teaching and learning using a constructivist approach and how these theories influence the chemistry teaching learning process. In addition, difficulties in student learning due to information overload and presentation of material in unfamiliar forms are examined. This instructional model emphasizes scientific thinking and associated cognitive skills.