Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
Since the capacity for information does not say anything about the retaining of
information, relevant studies show the results: “Human beings retain
10% of what they read
50% of what they see and hear
20% of what they hear
80% of what they say themselves
30% of what they see
90% of what they do themselves” [
3
].
Empirical studies have also been made about “forgetting contents without
working follow-up”. They show “that the human beings forget what they
...
Hear
To 30% after 3 h
To 90% after 3 days
See
To 28% after 3 h
To 80% after 3 days
Hear and see
To 15% after 3 h
To 35% after 3 days” [
3
]
4.1 Teaching Processes: Variety of Media for Chemistry
Lessons
Suitable media for chemistry lessons are those that are scientifically used like
experiments and models of the structure of matter, or those that are original in
their own way like transparencies, movies, computer programs, etc.
Function of many media
. The studies on retaining of information show that the
use of media is essential and advantageous. But it has to be considered to what
extent a medium can help in chemistry lessons and what difficulties have to be
taken into account.
The
functions
can be of the following kind:
-
Motivation
: media can be used to motivate the learner during the chemistry
lesson, if there is no primary experience from the learner's environment
available
-
Process of perception
: figures or tables of measurements can be used, if it is not
possible to run an experiment to test a hypothesis
-
Problem orientation
: pictures, tables, or charts can function as an introduction to
a problem; for example, problems of everyday life and environment as well as
problems of chemistry history
-
Supply of information
: repetition, learning assessments, etc.
Difficulties
of different media may include:
- Transparencies, slides, or movies can cement the teacher-centered instruction
and might support inactivity and uncritical acceptance of information on the
learner's side
- Media, especially transparencies, that are being used for years and not updated,
might include outdated facts
