Analysis of Characteristics of Problem Solving Process in Gas Phase Problems of College Students

대학생들의 기체의 성질에 대한 문제해결 과정의 분석

This study aims to identify the characteristics of gas phase problem solving of college freshmen. Four students were participated in this study and solved the problem by using think-aloud method. The thinking processes were recorded and transferred into protocols. Problem solving stage, the ratio spended in each solving stage, solving strategy, misconceptions, and errors were identified and discussed. The relationships between students' belief system about chemistry problem solving and problem solving characteristics were also investigated. The results were as follows: 1. Students felt that chemical equation problem was easier than word problem or pictorial problem. 2. When students had declarative knowledge and procedural knowledge required by given problem, their confidence level and formula selection were not changed by redundunt information in the problem. 3. When the problem seemed to be difficult, students tended to use the Means-End or Random strategy. 4. In complicated problems, students spent longer time for problem apprehension and planning. In familiar problems, students spent rather short time for planning. 5. Students spent more time for overall problem solving process in case of using Means-End or Random strategy than using Knowledge-Development strategy.