Prev. Article Next Article Table of Contents

Commentary

Should We Put Observations First?

Mansoor Niaz

Department of Chemistry, Universidad de Oriente, Cumaná, Estado Sucre 6101A, Venezuela

J. Chem. Educ., 1999, 76 (6), p 734

DOI: 10.1021/ed076p734

Publication Date (Web): June 1, 1999

Abstract

Many general chemistry courses and textbooks do not emphasize conceptual understanding. I argue that by "putting observations first", teachers and textbooks would be overemphasizing experimental details, which has been criticized by modern philosophers of science. I conclude that the theoretical rationale of the experiment is more important than the experiment itself.

Keywords (Audience):

General Public

Keywords (Domain):

History / Philosophy

Keywords (Feature):

Commentary

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Textbooks / Reference Books

View: Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links

Tools

SciFinder Links

Explore by:

Author of this Article Any Author Research Topic

History

Received: August 03, 2009

Recommend & Share

Related Content

Student-Centered Learning: A Comparison of Two Different Methods of InstructionJournal of Chemical Education
- Student-Centered Learning: A Comparison of Two Different Methods of Instruction
  Kelli M. Slunt and Leanna C. Giancarlo
  Journal of Chemical Education 2004 81 (7), p 985
  Abstract:
  Student-centered learning is an increasingly important pedagogical approach. Any method that focuses more attention on students' learning than it does on instructors' teaching should benefit the students' understanding of the material. This article ...
  Abstract | PDF w/ Links | Hi-Res PDF
Determination of Avogadro's Number by Improved ElectroplatingJournal of Chemical Education
- Determination of Avogadro's Number by Improved Electroplating
  Carlos A. Seiglie
  Journal of Chemical Education 2003 80 (6), p 668
  Abstract:
  A quick and accurate measurement of Avogadro‘s number from the amount of plated material can be made using a modification of an established electrolytic experiment. The experiment was modified to prevent loss of the copper plated at the cathode (copper ...
  Abstract | PDF w/ Links | Hi-Res PDF
Research Advances: Magnetic Catalysts; Inside Out; Blood Levels of Suspected Carcinogen Vary by Race, EthnicityJournal of Chemical Education
- Research Advances: Magnetic Catalysts; Inside Out; Blood Levels of Suspected Carcinogen Vary by Race, Ethnicity
  Angela G. King
  Journal of Chemical Education 2006 83 (8), p 1114
  Abstract:
  Superparamagnetic nanoparticles improve catalyst removal. Solvent helps copolymers turn inside out. Serum levels of environmental contaminants indicate different human exposure patterns.
  Abstract | PDF w/ Links | Hi-Res PDF

#qs-wrap {display: none !important;}

Because you do not have JavaScript enabled, the Quick Search functionality is not displayed here. Please enable JavaScript or use the Advanced Search Page.

Select a CAS section from the 5 main topical divisions below:

Commentary

Should We Put Observations First?

Abstract

Keywords (Audience):

Keywords (Domain):

Keywords (Feature):

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Tools

SciFinder Links

History

Recommend & Share

Related Content

Student-Centered Learning: A Comparison of Two Different Methods of Instruction

Determination of Avogadro's Number by Improved Electroplating

Research Advances: Magnetic Catalysts; Inside Out; Blood Levels of Suspected Carcinogen Vary by Race, Ethnicity

JOURNALS

BOOKS

C&EN

TOOLS

COMMUNITIES

DIRECTORIES & DATABASES

LEGACY MAGAZINES

Products

User Resources

Support

Partners

Search ACS Publications