The 'Mole Environment' studyware: applying multidimensional analysis to quantitative chemistry problems

The mole, a fundamental concept in quantitative chemistry, poses understanding difficulties for many students. To tackle this problem we have developed a multidimensional problem analysis, classification and authoring method. We define three dimensions, each being a transformation from the symbol to the macro, micro and process understanding levels. For each dimension, four complexity values are explicitly defined, giving rise to 63 different problem categories. The method has served us as a basis for authoring the 'Mole Environment' - a graduated, environment-oriented problem-solving studyware. In view of the increasing importance of integrating environmental isseus into chemistry teaching, the content of the problems is related to environmental issues. Assessment of the studyware was conducted by both pre-service chemistry teachers and high school students. The results have shown the viability of the approach of structuring quantitative problems in chemistry by an explicitly defined method. The studyware was very well received and contributed toward increased understanding of the mole concept, as well as acquaintance with environmental issues. Overall, there is a trend of an increasing level of achievements for both groups. The structured version was found to be more effective and to require less teacher consultation time.