INVESTIGATION OF ATTITUDES TOWARD CHEMISTRY AND LEARNING EXPERIENCES OF PRE-SERVICE CHEMISTRY TEACHERS

The objective of this research was to investigate the level of students attitudes toward Chemistry and Learning Experience (ATCLE). The research sample included 393 students (61 male and 130 female) from three universities; Universitas Negeri Mataram, Universitas Islam Negeri Mataram, and IMP Mataram, Indonesia. The sample has been selected through cluster random sampling and snowballs random sampling. Mixed method research with a descriptive correlational survey model and a semi-structured interview was employed for the study. The data were collected by Chemistry Attitudes and Experiences Questionnaire (CAEQ) and an interview guide. Results showed no significant correlation in the level of attitude toward chemistry based on gender and grades. The finding also revealed that the attitude of pre-service chemistry teachers based on gender and grade were more positive towards research in chemistry than jobs related to chemistry. However, grades influenced the students learning experience, but there was no influence of gender on students learning experience. It is suggested that teachers need to develop a positive attitude toward chemistry and learning experiences of the students through inquiry-based learning practices.