Problem Solving: Algorithms and Conceptual and Open-Ended Problems in Chemistry

The purpose of this study is to identify the level of students' achievements in solving chemical problems in the form of algorithms and conceptual and open-ended problems. The objectives involve identifying and comparing the level of students' achievements on all three types of problems. This quantitative study was conducted using a descriptive design. A paper-and-pencil test was used as an instrument and distributed to 248 second-year college students at UTM, who were selected randomly. The data obtained were analysed by using SPSS software to perform the descriptive statistical analysis. Results show that the majority of the students (96%) could solve the algorithmic problem successfully. On the other hand, only 54% and 15% of students were able to answer the conceptual and open-ended questions respectively. This shows that most of the students failed to answer conceptual and open-ended problems because of their inability to understand the concepts underlying these problems. The findings of this research show that more effort needs to be made to enhance the students' conceptual understanding and problem solving skills in chemistry. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.